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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, is a method of physical therapy that is widely used to treat acute and chronic pain. Some of the most common applications of TENS include chronic lower back, osteoarthritis of the knee, post-surgical pain, and neurogenic pain such as diabetic neuropathy and trigeminal neuralgia.
Though there is some controversy as to exactly how TENS works, several mechanisms have been proposed. One of the most widely accepted theories is that the electrical stimulation modifies the way that the brain perceives pain. The way that the brain perceives pain from an outside stimulus is often referred to as the Gate Theory. Simply put, this theory explains how the nerves relay a message to the brain, which is then interpreted as pain. In transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, it is believed that this pathway is modified so that the brain does not interpret the stimulus as painful.
The efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation has also come into question. Research into the various uses of TENS has shown that results vary depending on the use. For chronic lower back pain and other chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system, it is typical that pain relief is seen in approximately 70-80% of patients for the first three months. After the three month window, TENS alone is shown to be effective in only 20-30% of patients. Similar studies are available for the use of TENS in treating osteoarthritis of the knee, dysmenorrhea, and for postoperative pain.
TENS is not advised in patients with a pacemaker, as the electrical stimulation can interfere with the electrical circuit of the pacemaker. Likewise, it is contraindicated in pregnant women due to the possibility of inducing an early labor.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is most likely to be used in combination therapy for chronic painful conditions. For something like lower back pain or osteoarthritis of the knee, it is a piece of the multi-faceted approach of the physical therapist and prescribing doctor. It may combined with stretching and strengthening the muscles, heat, range of motion exercises, and other methods of physical therapy.
Technology has indeed developed and provided greater means to relieve pain. Thanks to TENS unit, an effective pain treatment useful today.
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