TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

Device 1: TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

What is it?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain. A TENS unit is a small device that delivers current at or near your nerves to block or change your perception of pain.

Regimen:

• What - high-frequency TENS machine

• When - From the time pain starts

• Details - Electrodes should be placed over the areas where pain is felt; optimal frequency - 100Hz; duration - 20 mins.

How does it work?

• TENS works by blocking pain signals in the spinal cord. According to the gate control theory of pain, the electrical pulses from TENS stimulate larger nerve fibers that don't carry pain. This helps "shut the gate" on the smaller pain-carrying nerves, so fewer pain signals reach the brain.

• The electrical current raises the level of endorphins, which are chemicals that naturally reduce pain, and therefore, the body feels calmer and pain is reduced.¹

• TENS improves blood flow to the uterus, reducing muscle ischemia (lack of oxygen) and thus reduces pain.

What is the efficacy?

The following studies aimed to investigate the effect and safety of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy for relieving pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD).

Methods: In both studies, women with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly divided into two groups, one received real TENS therapy and the other got a sham (inactive) treatment. TENS was applied over the lower abdomen for set periods during their menstrual cycles, either with a portable device or in scheduled sessions. Pain levels, pain relief duration, painkiller use, and in some cases quality of life, were measured over multiple cycles to compare the effects.^2,3

Results: Both studies showed that women using real TENS experienced a clear drop in menstrual pain compared to those with sham treatment. They also felt longer-lasting relief and needed fewer painkillers. One study reported better quality of life with TENS, while the other found no big difference in that area, but both confirmed it was safe with no major side effects.

Conclusion: TENS is a safe and effective way to ease menstrual cramps in women with primary dysmenorrhea. It can noticeably reduce pain and the need for painkillers, making it a useful non-drug option for period pain relief.

Side-effects:

While TENS is mostly safe to use, it should not be used by epileptic patients, pregnant females, and people with pacemaker.

Short-term effects: Itchiness, tingling, buzzing, prickling sensation, Allergic reaction to adhesives causing skin redness, headaches.

Long-term effects: Skin burning, Muscle weakness

References

1. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). NHS.uk. [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 May 11]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens/

2. Bai H-Y, Bai H-Y, Yang Z-Q. Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Sep;96(36):e7959. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000007959.

3. Lauretti GR, Oliveira R, Parada F, Mattos AL. The new portable transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device was efficacious in the control of primary dysmenorrhea cramp pain. Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface. 2015 Aug 1;18(6):522-7.