If your doctor has recommended you use a TENS machine to relieve your lower back pain, it is important to learn how it works. This machine comes with several settings that are used for different types of pain and conditions. Not knowing how it works can create scenarios where you can’t understand if the machine setting is optimal for you or not. So, learn how to use a TENS machine for lower back pain in this article. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org.

How is a TENS machine used for lower back pain?

To use a TENS machine for lower back pain, you need to consult with your doctor to see its effectiveness in relieving your lower back pain and learn if it’s applicable to your clinical situation. For lower back pain treatment, the pads are attached to the electrode wires for TENS treatment. To use the TENS machine, follow these steps:

• Cleanse the area with water or rubbing alcohol and let it air dry before placing the pads.
• Make sure that you place the pads at least one inch apart on your skin before turning the machine on.
• Attach the electrode wires to the pads and the TENS unit.
• Turn on the TENS unit and set the desired frequency and intensity that work the best for you. Generally, experts use a frequency between 50 hertz (Hz) to 150 Hz to treat pain, however, you can increase the intensity where you feel a stronger (but a tolerable) sensation. Turning the intensity down is also a good idea if you feel pain or discomfort.
• Run the machine for the recommended duration of your treatment. Generally, it can be anywhere between 15 to 60 minutes. If you’re not sure how long you should use it, 30 to 45 minutes is a good starting point.
• When the treatment duration is completed, turn off the machine and remove the electrode pads.

The main advantage of using a TENS machine is there’s no risk of overdose like many medications. So, you can use it as much as needed to get pain relief throughout the day. Many experts recommend using it at least 4 times daily.

Settings

When you use a TENS machine, there are some settings you can use for optimal results, including:

• For pain that’s recent or in acute pain – you should use a constant or normal setting. Set the pulse rate between 80 Hz to 120 Hz and get a pulse width between 175uS to 200 uS.
• For pain that is persistent for more than a few weeks or chronic pain – you should use the modulation set to prevent your body getting used to the stimulation, which makes the unit less effective. Set the pulse rate between 2 Hz to 10 Hz with a pulse width between 175uS and 200uS.
• Time – you can use the machine for 30 to 60 minutes at a time or use it around 4 times a day. If you use the machine constantly throughout the day it will become less effective for you.

Precautions

Usually, TENS treatment isn’t recommended if you have any of the following:

• Pacemaker/heart problem.
• Epilepsy.
• Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Later on, it can be used in pregnancy but one needs to consult with the doctor first.
• If you want to use it to mask the undiagnosed pain.

Other precautions you need to follow while using TENS at home include:

• Use a TENS machine only when your doctor or physical therapist recommends it.
• Let your doctor or therapist know if your condition changes.
• Don’t leave electrode pads over the skin for longer periods without checking or cleaning the skin under them.
• Don’t drive, shower, or sleep while using a TENS machine.
• Don’t use heat or ice in the same area where you use the TENS unit.
• Don’t place the electrode pads on broken skin, near or over your eyes, at the front or side of your neck, over the mouth, or any numb areas of skin or abdomen during pregnancy.
• If you have a rash or burn that develops under the electrode pad and lasts more than 6 hours, then stop using the machine and call your doctor or physical therapist.

Effectiveness

While the TENS machine is effective for some types of pain, it is not recommended for everyone. Some experts disagree that it is effective for some types of pain and conditions. In a 2021 research review, researchers examined the studies on effectiveness of TENS for sudden or chronic pain and found that:

• TENS has shown benefits in 69 studies.
• TENS has no benefits in 13 studies.
• TENS results show inconclusive evidence to support the use in 87 studies.

So, its effectiveness can depend on the type of pain and the treatment plan.

Side effects

Generally, TENS is safe to use, however, sometimes, some people experience side effects like:

• Burns/sores (rarely)
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Allergic reactions to the pad adhesives
• Unpleasant sensations (if you don’t like the tingling, or prickling produced by TENS)

If any of these problems bother you, you can stop using TENS and consult your doctor.

TENS is a good option for relieving lower back pain because it uses electrical pulses to block pain signals from your spinal cord and brain to treat pain. While it can relieve back pain, research has mixed results on its effectiveness. So, make sure you consult with your doctor and try the TENS machine before checking its effectiveness for your lower back pain and learn how to use it. For proper guidance, consult with your doctor to follow the above-mentioned guide to use TENS for your lower back pain.

Need help with how to operate or use a TENS machine for pain management, visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help and learn what is the best way to handle your pain condition. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!! Our location at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 is well-served by public transportation, including many bus routes, and the subway line. Visit our website at https://doralhw.org/department/pain-management/ or contact us on +1-718-367-2555 for additional details.