Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

[Jeepers]

I wasn't sure where to put this. I guess here is as good a place as any.

 

Has anyone had any experience with the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine? They used to be a couple of hundred dollars but now they are down to the $50-$75 range. I'm thinking/hoping one could help my back and neck pain. Maybe even my wrist from too much computer usage?

 

Do they really help? Is there a difference between the more expensive and cheaper models? Am I about to fall for a scam?

 

I've read where chiropractors often use them. Are theirs professional models? Does Mr. Mt. Rider have an opinion?

 

My back really hurts today so maybe I'm too vulnerable and hopeful right now.

 

 

[WormGuy]

I have one that I use to use (when the insurance was paying for the pads). It really did help me but it is not a cure. I have found that pain meds do more than the unit did. I have two herniated disk and disk degeneration. The drawbacks to mine are the cost of the pads and it eats batteries. I bought rechargeable ones and had to recharge them every night and that is using them for about 5 hours a day, and with the pads I could only get 2 days of use from them. I ended up using tape to extend their life but I still only got about 4 or 5 days use by using the tape.

 

I have had treatments with the professional ones and I can not tell any difference between mine and theirs. I have tried them on my thumb joints but the pads did not want to stick very well and I could not use my hands with the pads on. The machine probably can help a lot of people, but not enough for me to continue using it.

 

 

 

John

[Jeepers]

Thanks for the reply! I'm going to read up a little more about them. I did notice the replacement pads were pretty expensive. I'm not sure what is making my back hurt. I've always had backaches though so it's nothing new but it seems to hurt worse lately. It's an ache not a pain. I get sciatic pain once in a while so I assume its nerve or disk problems too. I read if you get one, it's best to have a Dr./Chiropractor show you where to apply the electrodes.

[The WE2's]

We have two; MM's is a much more expensive one (over $125?) and mine is just a little cheapie "mouse" that is about half that price. Do we like them...YES! Do we use them...YES! We both have our own preferences on the types of pulses, and MM's has so many more than mine, but I don't think he actually uses any more than 3 or 4. I like the "bzzzzzz, bump"! LOL Just be sure to NOT put them over your heart or on the front of your chest. It's also important to keep the gel pads clean by cleaning your skin before you put them on. I'd advise buying some extra pads of both sizes. I'll share a funny...MM had me put the pads in strategic places for his back shoulder blade etc., and when I had them in place, he began to adjust the dial etc. He said, I think the batteries are gone ... and gave the dial a BIG turn...do I have to tell you what happened?! He nearly jumped out of his skin! His works on batteris, by an electrical adapter that plugs in or plugged into a USB hub to be powered by a computer. Mine only works on batteries. Anyway, be careful before you decide the batteries aren't any good and turn the dial!

I have one of these, but this web site says they're currently unavailable, so you may have to check around: http://www.massager-machines-and-more.com/massage-mouse.asp

Edited May 9, 2013 by Philbe

[fishermanwife]

We saw some at a trade show type event cant remember which one, but it was for around $40 but I didn't grab it bc I hate not being able to return things easily if it doesn't work but now that we don't have ins so I can go to the chiropractor twice a week Im so getting one soon bc my shoulder and neck have been killing me.(kicks myself if the behind) lol

[Jeepers]

Thanks for the feedback y'all.

 

The next time I get the catalog I'm going to order one. I'm willing to risk the $50.00+ I'll get plenty of extra pads. I'm on to that game. Buy something now and then a year or so later you can't get the spare parts. I'll start the dial slow Philbe. LOL. I'm also on to those devices with settings that start slow...at first.

[Jeepers]

I finally got the catalog that has the machines. I got online to order one and they are out of them. Figures.

 

My back is killing me. I left my email address so they are supposed to tell me when they get more in. I saw another one but it has 4 of the electrodes instead of 2. Since the pads are kind of expensive and batteries don't last very long around me and I only need to buzzzzz one area at a time...I'm going to try to hold out for the 2 electrode one.

 

But my back is really getting me down.

[Annarchy]

(((((Jeepers)))))

 

I understand back pain. Believe me.

 

TENS units are useful for numbing the nerves temporarily. Basically the electrical 'bzzzzzz' irritates the nerve endings enough to cause them to be less sensitive to the cause of the pain.

 

 

My mother was thrilled with her treatments, but it did nothing for me.

 

 

My doctors won't give me anything stronger than Ibuprofen because mine is chronic pain for life. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory.

 

I suggest... (I should mind my own business.), take more/longer breaks from typing, shaking and stretching your arms/hands out, in your chair lean to your knees with your hands hanging down and wiggle them while stretching your back, then, lay down on your back and pull you knees (as far as you can) to your chin, a couple of times and hold it a few seconds while you push you back flat on the ground. (Do not over do it and do not do it if it begins to hurt more...) I've also used Aspercream before starting-the massaging helps loosen the muscles and stimulates blood flow. (Darlene makes a wonderful cream for that type of pain.)

 

I was a typist for some time in my career, 8-10 hours a day all I did was type. We actually had safety meetings about what to do for the hand and back cramps that are prone in that line of work. Very thoughtful bosses... lol Most of the info they provided during the meetings was the same info provided by all the specialist that I have worked with for my injuries.

 

One thing I do find helps me, is an inversion table. Basically, it uses your own weight and gravity to stretch out the quirks in your back. There are some inexpensive ones out there.

 

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

[The WE2's]

Ann, we also have an inversion table and MM uses it alot! LOL I don't because we always have to adjust it to my height & I've not needed it that much. It is said that inversion tables are not to be used by people with heart problems or high blood pressure...???

[Jeepers]

Thanks Annie! I'll take any suggestions. Sorry you have pain too. Mine is also chronic. I was in two car wrecks within a couple of months of each other many years ago and now they are really catching up with me. I totaled both cars and both gave me bad whiplash. The first was a tow truck pulling a van. I was stopped in the middle of the street waiting to make a left hand turn and he didn't see me and plowed right in to me full speed. That hurt. The second was an elderly man who didn't see me driving down the highway and pulled out right in front of me. Turns out he was on 'pain medication'. That one hurt too. As an aside, while I was waiting for the tow truck drivers insurance to settle up, he was arrested for murdering his wife's lover on their boat. I can pick em!

 

Anyway, Advil does help sometimes and so does a heating pad while I'm on it. But it's already too hot for that! I've tried all of the OTC stuff. All of the patches, creams, back supports, back rests and gadgets. I even bought one of those things where you lay on the floor and put your legs over the thing and it raises and lowers your butt off the floor. Supposed to have to do with decompression. It is called Back2Life. It feels good while I use it. Sigh.

 

Since I have developed pain in my neck the last couple of years, I'm hoping the TENS Unit will help either the neck or back. Thanks to the wrecks, arthritis has set in both my back and neck. I feel fortunate though that it isn't the rheumatoid type and it isn't debilitating. I'm thinking there is some nerve damage too because sometimes I get sciatica.

 

Thanks for the warning about the inversion table Philbe. I do have erratic high blood pressure and P.O.T.S. I bought one of those big bouncy exercise balls. Sometimes I lay back on it and rock a little. Usually I lay forward on it and that helps stretch my back and feels good.

 

Crimony, I sound a lot worse than I am! None of it hurts 24/7/365. I do have many days that I'm pain free and when I am in pain I know that it will go away for awhile if I'm patient enough. It just really wears you down.

 

Humm, come to think of it I have bought a lot of stuff for back pain. What's one more.

[The WE2's]

Sciatica...when mine's acting up, 3 or 4 Aleve (Doc says that's an OK amount for near prescription strength pain) and a nice nap on an air mattress does wonders...laying FLAT on my back (which I can't normally do).

[Jeepers]

They have the machine in so I just ordered it. I think some of the problem right now is seasonal. I always hurt worse at the start of spring and fall. The weather isn't helping either. Two days ago it was 89 and today it was 42 and rainy.

[Jeepers]

I got the machine yesterday. Of course when it came I was neck and head pain free. No matter, I used it anyway. I have no idea if it will work or not but just having the stimulation in the muscles felt so good. Both times I used it I was laying down (or is it lying down?) and both times I fell asleep. If I can sleep through severe pain I'm happy.

 

I paid $39.00 and it runs on 1 9V battery or the adaptor that was included. So far so good. I did buy extra electrodes. A lot of them.

 

Philbe I see what you mean about starting slow. It ebbs and flows. It sort of reminds me of an ocean wave. Like a wave coming in and then going out...back in again...and out... No wonder I fell asleep.

[The WE2's]

I got the machine yesterday. Of course when it came I was neck and head pain free. No matter, I used it anyway. I have no idea if it will work or not but just having the stimulation in the muscles felt so good. Both times I used it I was laying down (or is it lying down?) and both times I fell asleep. If I can sleep through severe pain I'm happy.

 

I paid $39.00 and it runs on 1 9V battery or the adaptor that was included. So far so good. I did buy extra electrodes. A lot of them.

 

Philbe I see what you mean about starting slow. It ebbs and flows. It sort of reminds me of an ocean wave. Like a wave coming in and then going out...back in again...and out... No wonder I fell asleep.

 

I know we sure enjoy ours. A pastor friend of us was having severe pain in his feet and bought one. Said it made a huge difference!