Pain relief aids - Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators

(T.E.N.S.)

Pain relief aids, more commonly known as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators or T.E.N.S. machines, are a form of alternative therapy aimed at reducing pain through the generation of electrical impulses.

These electrical impulses are passed into the body using electrodes (typically two or four) that are attached to the body at strategic points, usually over the nerve centres from which the pain is originating.

Although not yet fully recognised as a conventional pain treatment, the way in which TENS works is understood. The electric impulses from the TENS machine works to interrupt the pain signals being sent from the nerves to the brain and, by in effect blocking these signals, the pain is removed.

A further claim made of these pain stoppers is that, by stimulating the nerve centres, they also trigger endorphins which can help to stop the sensation of pain in a more natural way.

Whilst many people and a range of pains have been treated with TENS machines, their use is not universally seen as successful and some people and some types of pain have been unaffected by their application.

Many people feel or describe the sensation of using a TENS machine as being similar to a light massage and many of these devices feature one or multiple massage functions. They normally run from battery power and this makes them portable at all times.

Types of pain relieved by a TENS machine

TENS machines are most commonly used to relieve chronic pain, often originating from areas like the back and shoulders although other parts of the body like the stomach and hips are often treated with it.

TENS machines are registered medical devices.

If you are considering using one of these machines you should firstly consult your doctor and no one with a pacemaker should ever attempt to use one.