A TENS unit is a small machine that delivers electrical impulses through pads placed on a certain part of your body to reduce pain. It works by blocking pain signals from reaching your spinal cord and brain.
Experts think that the idea of TENS dates back almost 2,000 yearsTrusted Source, when the Roman doctor Scribonius Largus suggested "electrical fish" from the ocean may help with pain relief. Nowadays, TENS is FDA approved to relieve:
- chronic pain
- pain after surgery or a sudden injury
- temporary pain associated with sore and aching muscles from exercise and household or work activities
- arthritis
Where do you place TENS pads for lower back pain?
TENS units come with two or four electrode pads that can stick to your skin. Place the pads around the area giving you pain.
If your unit has two pads, you can place one on either side of the painful area at least 1 inch apart. If both sides of your back bother you, you can place one pad on either side of your spine. For pain on one side, you can place both electrodes next to each on the same side of your spine.
If your unit has four pads, you can put one set just above and below the painful area.
How to use a TENS unit for lower back pain?
It's a good idea to consult a medical professional before using TENS at home to see if it's potentially effective for your condition and learn how to use it best.
Here's a general idea of using a TENS unit at home for lower back pain. For lower back pain treatment, you'll likely need help from another person to place the pads and attach the electrode wires to the pads before treatment.
- Cleanse the pad placement area with water or rubbing alcohol and let it air dry.
- Place the pads on your skin at least 1 inch apart with the machine turned off.
- Attach the electrode wires to the electrode pads and the TENS unit.
- Turn on the TENS unit and set it to the desired frequency and intensity. Usually, experts use a frequency between 50 hertz (Hz) to 150 Hz to treat pain. You can increase the intensity to the point when you feel a strong but comfortable sensation. Turning the intensity down is a good idea if you feel pain or discomfort.
- Run the machine for the duration of your treatment. Usually, treatment is between 15 to 60 minutes. If you're unsure how long to run it, 30 to 45 minutes is a good starting place.
- Turn the machine off and remove the electrode pads.