‘buy tens electrodes’

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A Transcutaneous (which means through the skin) Electrical Nerve Stimulator machine, thankfully shortened to a TENS machine, is a small battery operated device that sends electrical impulses through wires to electrodes attached to the skin on or near the painful area.

You can personally control how strong and what frequency the electrical impulse is set at. It’s a prickly feeling and research suggests that the sensation distracts ones attention from pain, and works on the principles of the Gate Theory.

It transmits the electrical impulse to the large nerve fibres, and closes the ‘gates’ of the small nerve fibres that are sending pain signals to the brain.

It is about the size of a PDA, and is designed to be portable so usually has a clip so you can attach it to your clothing. There are different types of electrodes pads. There are some that need to be used with gel and there are adhesive electrode pads. Some can cause skin irritation, but there are many types to try. They are not everlasting, and need replacing. It is safe to wear the electrode pads all day.

The following groups cannot use it:

When the cause of the pain is not known or not diagnosed.
Pregnancy (unless specifically medically advised).
Pacemakers
Epilepsy or certain types of heart disease.

In the UK, you can be referred to a Pain Clinic by your doctor, and if applicable, they will give you one to trial, and the pack usually contains a voucher to buy one at a very decent discounted price.

I had one for about a month, and found it would only work for me in short bursts. The particular brand that I used, I applied the pads when the skin is slightly damp for better adhesion. There are others though that require the skin to be completely dry. It is important that you read the instructions for your brand of TENS machine.

As I’ve said, you can use the TENS machine all day, however there are some restrictions to adhere to: You cannot use the TENS machine:

While driving or operating machinery. The nurse at the pain clinic said this was very important. God forbid something happened while driving, your insurance will be invalid.
While in the bath
While lying down
On damaged and broken skin

This is a general list and not exhaustive. While it hasn’t worked for some, others have found it to be a welcome relief and alternative to medication.

Before trying a TENS machine you must talk to your doctor or health professional to make sure it can be used for your condition.