You’ve been hearing the buzz about “electrotherapy”. TENS is becoming increasingly popular in the realm of pain treatment. Now, many of these devices are available to purchase over the counter and are made safe for home use. But do you know how TENS Units help relieve pain? Continue reading to learn what this device does that makes it one of the best choices for an all-natural, opioid free pain relief treatment.

TENS Units, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators, the name says it all. Transcutaneous is defined as “applied across the depth of the skin”. The device uses electrode pads—typically either two or four—as a conductor. The electrode pads are placed on the skin around the area that is inflicted with pain. Then, the TENS device sends gentle electrical impulses to the electrode pads, which passes them through the skin. These electrical impulses then stimulate the nerves.

This is the basic function of the TENS unit. The TENS process creates two effects on the body, both demonstrating how TENS helps pain.

Gate Control Theory

The first effect that TENS therapy has on the body can be explained by the Gate Control Theory. This theory suggests that non-painful nerve signals will block painful nerve signals. The non-painful signals “close the gate” and prevent the pain signals from going to the brain. For example, imagine that these pain signals are two trains on separate tracks. Each of these two tracks converge into one single track that goes to the brain. The train on the right is the pain signal, and it’s headed for the single track to the brain. But, when the non-painful signal is stimulated, the train on the left heads for that same track to the brain, taking over the single track to the brain, and blocking the painful signals from getting through to the brain.

When TENS stimulates the nerve endings, it replaces the “pain train” with pleasant, tingling sensations. This massage-like therapy can be used to treat pain as soon as it shows up. TENS has been used to help with many different ailments in this way, including lower or upper back pain, shoulder and neck pain, and even pain associated with carpal tunnel.

Releases Endorphins…The Body’s Feel Good Chemical

The second effect that TENS therapy does which helps combat pain is it Releases Endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkiller. When released, endorphins create a relaxed, pain-free state of mind, like the painkilling qualities of morphine. Endorphins, along with the stimulated nerve endings, prevent the pain signals from travelling to the brain.

TENS therapy can be used daily, and even multiple times a day. The frequency of application depends on the individual’s pain management needs. Because so many TENS units are now small and portable, they can be used on the go or at home, at work, or even before bed.

The quality of living can be greatly affected by pain. Sometimes, to prevent straining an already-injured muscle, you can hurt another. Using TENS to manage pain allows patients with chronic or acute pain to return to a more normal quality of life. It’s not just important to learn how TENS helps relieve pain, but it’s important to realize how much pain can affect the way you live and how to take control of the pain before it takes control of you.