The Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) treatment that comprises of electric shock has been used for many years for the treatment of chronic lower back pain. However, according to a new study it does not work. Those who are undergoing this treatment have to consult there doctors about discontinuing with this and finding other suitable treatments, the researchers have said.
TENS is a kind of physical therapy using electrical stimulation that numbs those areas of the body where pain exists. It is a pocket-sized device that delivers a mild electrical current to nerves through electrodes. The nerves in particular areas are stimulated through the skin to stimulate the opioid nervous system that helps in reducing pain and discomfort. For in depth treatment among patients, the protocol that is burst is used in stead of electrical impulse steady streams. Doctors refer this type of TENS treatment as electronic acupuncture. The main advantage of using the TENS machine is that, that there are no side effects and it is non addictive. It should be remembered that the effects are temporary and there is no actual healing. However, some patients experience reddened skin where the electrodes are placed. It should however be ensured that such a treatment should be taken under the supervision and guidance of an experienced doctor.
According to researchers, there is strong evidence that people using TENS for low back pain have not been getting relief through this method. Although this is a problem, another study indicates that using TENS for diabetic nerve pain proved to be effective and also proved to be a good alternative to pain medication. Further research into the mechanism is still needed to support this, and more rigorous studies of TENS should be conducted in patients who have never received the treatment before.
The following people should avoid using a TENS machine:
Pregnant women - unless specifically advised to by their doctor,
People with epilepsy,
People who have a pacemaker fitted, and
People with a history of heart disease
Different techniques are used for different nerve types, to bring about pain relief. The three main techniques being used are conventional TENS, Acupuncture -like TENS and intense TENS.
In the US alone about 75 million adults suffer from chronic pain, one of which is low back pain. Scientists have admitted that it is not fully understood how pain works or why people experience it. According to research the best remedy for chronic pain is exercise. Back pain can affect anyone at any age but is more common in people between the ages of thirty five and fifty five. Most of the times there is no underlying cause and tests show no abnormalities. There are many things you can do stay away from the pain. For example, stay active, take adequate rest, apply hot water bags and avoid over exertion.
In spite of the comparatively weak scientific and clinical evidence, TENS can still be considered a valuable therapeutic alternative in neurological pain disorders.
