Electronic Pain Relief

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.

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The term "pain relief machine" is a very confusing phrase and it’s understandable how people can not differentiate a "muscle stimulator" from a "tens unit" to an "interferential unit" or "pulsed galvanic stimulator" or a "micro amperage stimulator".

Learn how electronic pain relief can help you.

Four of the 5 listed units are actually intended to be used for the treatment of chronic and acute pain.

On the internet the following terms are searched on and the patient often gets some reference to a "pain machine" as a solution and then the confusion really begins.

* neck traction
* sciatic nerve pain
* sciatic nerve pain relief
* back pain relief machine
* pain relief machine
* sciatic nerve treatment
* painreliefmachine.com
* sore neck stretches
* stretches for sore neck

Of the 5 machines listed the only one that is not intended for pain relief is a "muscle stimulator" which should be correctly called a "functional electrical stimulator" - FES. The purpose of a muscle stimulator is to help a patient restore function or prevent atrophy to muscles. All of the listed "pain machines" can literally be adjusted to the point that a muscle contraction can be elicited but that is not the purpose of a "pain machine".

There are basically three methods of controlling pain that each of the pain machines relies upon.

1. Melzack/Wall Gate Control Theory:

This is simply the process of stopping the transmission of the pain impulse to the spinal cord for transmission to the brain where the pain is perceived. The method of operation is to stimulate non-pain fibers so the actual pain message is not transmitted and the pain impulse is not transmitted. When that happens the brain does not receive the message therefore there is no pain. In reality though for the chronic pain patient the actual results are less transmissions rather than 100% total cessation meaning pain reduction, not total pain elimination.

2. Sjolund Opioid Peptide Production ( Pain Killers)

In this application, which rarely ever works, the actual pain fibers, c fibers, are stimulated for 20 - 30 minutes and that stimulation by the pain machine results in the brain increasing the production of pain killers, aka endorphins and enkaphlins are the general terms used. As long as there is an increased amount of the peptides in the blood stream then the pain is not felt. As the peptides wear off and decrease in total volume then the pain reappears. This is not theory but has been proved however as stated earlier this application rarely is effective for the vast preponderance of chronic pain patients.

3. Glial Dysregulation of Pain and Opioid Actions

This is very recent, appearing in research being done by Linda Watkins, PhD. - Univ. of Colorado - Boulder. Her work involves the blocking of pathological pain by inhibiting glial activation in the spinal column where the glial cells exist. The glial cells actually release many neuroexcitatory substances which can lead to pain amplification.

The latter explanation helps to clarify what is now occurring with the use of interferential pain machines, unlike the other tens, micro, PGS machines where there is no carryover or residual pain relief once the pain machine is turned off. With interferential therapy there is residual or carryover pain relief during and following the treatment for hours or in some situations days/weeks. Glial cell inhibition may explain the effects of portable interferential units as well as replicate the clinical interferential treatments.

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Tens machine and fibromyalgia

 Learn how electronic pain relief can help you.

The body is composed of hundreds of different muscles and bones working together to create movement. Each and every one of those bones and muscles has a delegated task to make the body function. However, there are times when problems cause muscles and bones to lose their ability to function. Musculoskeletal disorders have a variety of effects that can range from pain, muscle fatigue, to paralysis.

Musculoskeletal disorders, if left untreated, can be very damaging. It can dramatically affect your entire life by taking away your freedom to move. Here are some of the most common bone, joint, and muscle disorders that affect the American adult population:

1. Arthritis

This is a joint disease that is characterized by inflammation, pain, and immobility of the affected area. It can be caused by an auto-immune system malfunction, joint infection, natural degeneration, or high uric acid in the bloodstream. Aside from swollen and achy joints, most arthritis sufferers complain of tenderness, redness, and warmth on the area surrounding the affected joint.

2. Back pain (Dorsalgia)

This a musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain in the back, involving the muscles, nerves, bones, joints, and other structures connected to the spine. The pain is usually of different intensity, and can stay in one place or it may keep migrating to other areas of the spine (neck, upper, and lower back).

3. Foot disorders

The most common foot disorder is plantar fasciitis, wherein the thick padding that cushions the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. Because the foot is the body’s weight bearer and shock absorber, it is more prone to developing irritation and swelling. This disorder is most common in runners and dancers who spend a lot of time standing.

Now that you know the three most common musculoskeletal disorders, it is time to learn about the different ways to treat and manage these conditions. Here are some of the most commonly used treatments and means of managing musculoskeletal disorders:

1. Prescription medicines

Most doctors suggest managing musculoskeletal disorders with the help of Carisoprodol or other 1000 prescription-based muscle relaxers and pain relievers. High-grade pain relievers and muscle relaxers are used for moderate to severe pain. Most mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain and discomforts can be remedied by over-the-counter pain relievers.

2. Physical and occupational therapy

This therapy aims to restore mobility and flexibility of the affected joint. Physical and occupational therapists may require the use of devices such as the TENS machine and hot and cold packs to reduce pain and swelling of the affected area of the body.

3. Exercise

Engaging in low-impact exercises at moderated durations can help build up muscle tone, and it can help loosen and relax rigid muscles. Avoiding high-impact exercises prevent recurrence of the disorder. Also, exercising promotes losing weight which will help lessen the weight being carried by the spine and the feet.

4. Surgery

When musculoskeletal disorders reach critical level, doctors are left with no choice but to perform surgical operations - to either remove the damaged muscle or replace the affected joint.

Prevention is always better than cure. So it is best to keep the body healthy to avoid developing musculoskeletal conditions. Eat a well-balanced diet, keep yourself active and fit, and you’re off to a muscle pain-free life.

By: abbey grace yap

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

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Sciatic Nerve Pain, Known As Sciatica - The 3 Best Ways To Get Real Back Pain And Sciatica Relief

Sciatica! Imagine you wake up tomorrow morning and there’s no leg pain. That’s right, you wake up tomorrow and there’s no more sciatic nerve pain, no more back pain radiating down the back of one or both of your legs, making your life miserable, making it impossible to do even the simplest tasks.

Can you imagine such a thing? When you are in pain, particularly back and leg pain, sciatica, there comes a time when you forget what it is like not to be in pain. There is hope! The 3 best ways to get real relief are here and I have them for you, now…today!The first, probably easiest way to achieve immediate back pain and sciatica pain relief is to purchase the right shoes. Shoes, you might ask? Shoes! The type of shoes you wear day in and day out, and for most seven days a week, are probably contributing to your sciatica and back pain in a big way. You see, when you wear the same shoes all the time, even if they had great cushion and support when you purchased them, even if they are as comfortable as an old pair of slippers now, are undoubtedly broken in and broken down, no longer providing any cushioning or shock absorption at all. Wear your favorite shoes for several hours, constantly on your feet, and it is an absolute certainty that even the healthiest of backs are going to begin to hurt. If you have a bad back to begin with, the wrong shoes can be the kiss of death, adding exponentially to your back pain and sciatica. The best shoes, the ones with the best support and awesome cushioning are New Balance, hands down! Or is it feet down?

Next in our list of the five steps you can take to immediately alleviate or eliminate back pain and sciatica is posture. How many out there have been told, often from as far back as we can remember, to "Stand up straight, don’t slouch!" I will bet most of us have heard that one a few hundred times. Do you want to know what is even more frightening? We are probably parroting the same awful advice ourselves now. The fact is, we should not stand with our "Chests out, stomachs in," and all that military bearing stuff, if we want to remain back and leg pain free. By doing so, standing up straight, we invariably exaggerate something called lordosis, the lumbar, low back or secondary curvature that develops as we stand upright after the first year of life. You see, the lumbar region of the spine is the culprit when it comes to where back pain and sciatica begin (etiology). When we stand erect we place unnecessary stress on a region of the spine already at risk for trauma and degeneration, the major contributor to back pain and sciatica. Interestingly, the other "secondary" curvature, the neck, is also a major factor in overall back pain…but that’s the subject of another article.So what is the best way to deal with this whole posture issue? Well, have you ever watched a mom with a toddler on her hip? Have you ever noticed how when you shift your hips from one side to the other, the pain disappears? Have you noticed when you stand next to a stool, placing one foot on the lowest rung, you get immediate relief? Well, you’ve got back pain and sciatic nerve pain relief answer number two! By shifting your weight and either placing one foot higher than the other or by shifting your pelvis (hips) side-to-side, you get sweet, wonderful, and immediate relief from back pain and sciatica!

Finally, in order to get optimal and long-lasting relief from back pain and sciatica, avoiding the surgeon’s blade once and for all, you must stretch and exercise your legs, lower back, and core every day. If you do this, in combination with the first two examples, you will be on your way to total and lasting relief."Well," you may ask, "How can I exercise or stretch when I’m in as much pain as I am in?" It’s a valid concern and a good question, one I’ve raised myself many times. You see, I’ve suffered from back pain and sciatica for most of my life. The strategies for dealing with back and sciatic nerve pain I am suggesting, and most of the things you are experiencing, I’ve used and experienced myself. You see, in order to alleviate and eventually eliminate my lower back pain and sciatica, I employed these same techniques…and a few more. Yes, I’ve used pain medication and ice, heat and traction for both my back pain and sciatica. In fact, I challenge you to name something I haven’t tried for pain! I’ve had back surgeries (with a capital S), injections, physical and occupational therapy, electro-stimulation, and more alternative procedures for back pain and sciatica than I can or would ever want to mention here. And, after all was said and done, only one thing worked, only one thing gave me complete and permanent relief. The one thing was and is exercise of a certain type; a program, I would venture to guess, you can only get from half-dozen practitioners world-wide, one that works for both back pain and sciatica!

No, I am not talking about the sheet of exercises you get from the physical therapist as they’re pushing you out the front door of the hospital in a wheelchair three days after surgery. I’ve received those too and they are only good for one thing. Well, two if you have a bird! No, I am talking about an individualized program; one that, once again, works for both back pain and sciatic nerve pain.How do you start? You start by doing numbers one and two above, immediately. Go to the store, do not pass go, do not collect $200, just get there and purchase the best pair of New Balance shoes you can afford. Why New balance? No, I don’t own stock in the company. New Balance shoes are consistently rated at or near the top of the Runner’s World survey for heel cushioning, have been for years. And, if you know anything about runners and running, heel cushioning is extremely important. Next, think about how you stand and keep posture in mind at all times. Forget all that military jargon and shift your weight often. Now, with numbers one and two thoroughly established, you and are well on your way to number three…icing whenever you have pain. Never, and I will say this again, never use heat! Finally, you get a good program of exercise and stretching, and stick with it! The three, in concert, will make you a new person in days, sometimes hours.In the next few articles we will go into greater depth regarding various bad back and sciatic nerve pain strategies for athletes, pregnancy, and the elderly. So, stick around and thanks for checking this article out.

By: JohnZajaros

For further information and an intelligent program of exercise, one that works for back pain and sciatica, guaranteed, go to: www.HowToStopSciatica.com For additional information and a link to an excellent source for back products and items that will assist you in dealing with the pain: www.ultimatebadbackstrategies.com John P. J. Zajaros, Sr.

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How To Get Rid Of Upper Back And Neck Pain

As we get older, back and neck pain becomes more common. Our bodies change. And once routine tasks can become painful. Unfortunately, pain in the back and neck not only affects our physical health. But it can disrupt work, exercise, and other daily activities you engage in. In fact, the condition is one of the leading causes of doctor’s visits and one of the most common reasons why people miss work.

Fortunately, while back and neck pain can make your life awfully difficult, many cases are treatable without resorting to surgery. There are certain steps you can take in order to handle the issues that may arise as a result of back and neck pain. These measures will not only help relieve the pain but also help you reduce the likelihood of recurrences of this condition. And if you haven’t gotten to the point of serious pain yet, there are ways to keep your condition from getting worse.

What Causes Upper Back And Neck Pain?

In most instances, back and neck pain is caused by strains or other injuries to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spinal column. These, in turn, may be worsened by sports injuries or a sudden increase in physical activity to which you are not accustomed. Or because your body does not react the same way to activities you’ve done in the past without problem.

Another possible cause of your back and neck pain is the degenerative change that your spine undergoes as we age. Your spinal column is made up of individual bones (vertebrae) that are joined together by the discs, joints and ligaments. All these combine to form the strong but flexible structure of your spine.

But as a person ages, your ligaments and muscles can become less flexible. And your discs can become less soft and provide less cushioning. So back and neck pain occurs as a result of the wear and tear of your body over time. The number one cause of these degenerative changes is movement. Motion causes the neck (cervical) and the lower parts (lumbar) of the spine to gradually break down. Since you can’t stop moving, you need to find ways to help support yorr back during these movements.

Treatment

Make sure to check with a medical professional or back specialist before taking any action on your own. Your back is a vulnerable part of your body, and you don’t want to mess around with it!

You could try electronic pain relief.

Back and neck pain is a highly treatable condition. The most common therapy used to treat back and neck pain is medications with pain-killing or anti-inflammatory properties. However, a regular routine of exercise and stretching can also help reduce the pain. And stregthen your back so the pain won’t come back, or get worse. There are also natural pain killers that can help reduce the pain and improve the healing process.

Physical therapy is also another option. Hot or cold compresses may be applied to the area affected in order to alleviate the pain. Other modalities may also be used, including the application of electric impulses in order to override the muscular spasms that so often characterize back and neck pain.

By: Kris D. Bickell

Got back pain? Learn how to get rid of your back pain with these simple back pain tips. I used them to recover from a herniated disk - learn how at MyBackFix.com.

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