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?
This study 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 this study, 134 participants with PD were randomly divided into the intervention group and the sham group, with 67 participants in each group. Participants in the intervention group received TENS, whereas those in the sham group received sham TENS. The primary outcome was measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The secondary outcomes were measured by the duration of relief from dysmenorrheal pain, the number of ibuprofen tablets taken, and the World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQOL)-BREF score, as well as the adverse events.
Results: A total of 122 participants completed the study. Compared to sham TENS, TENS showed a greater effect in pain relief with regard to the NRS (P<.01), duration of relief from dysmenorrheal pain (P<.01), and number of ibuprofen tablets taken (P<.01). However, no significant differences in the quality of life, measured by the WHOQOL-BREF score, were found between 2 groups. The adverse event profiles were also similar between the 2 groups.
Conclusion: TENS was efficacious and safe in relieving pain in participants with PD.2
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
Last updated
Was this helpful?