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Many people find themselves in pain due to various medical conditions. Whether from fibromyalgia, lower back pain, or pain related to cancer, using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used as a treatment to help alleviate discomfort. It is a good alternative to medicinal pain relievers, though the effectiveness may be more of a placebo effect. TENS patients carry a small, box-shaped device that sends electrical impulses into the body through electrodes. The electrical impulses interfere with pain signals. The way that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation works is by placing pads, or electrodes, onto the area that is affected. Through the electrodes, low voltage electrical currents are sent, and the patient may feel a slight tingling. The current is used to: stimulate the nerves under the skin to release endorphins, dynorphins, and enkephalins; inhibit an abnormally excite nerve; and inhibit the dorsal horn of the spinal column. There are three forms of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy that are widely used in physical therapy: Conventional therapy is performed at a high stimulation frequency of between 40 and 150 HZ. The duration is short, up to 50 microseconds per pulse. With this therapy, the pain relief is nearly instantaneous, but ends when the therapy ends. Pulsed TENS therapy offers low intensity, high frequency bursts that may be more effective than conventional therapy. The pulses come in 100 Hz bursts. transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can also be used in an acupuncture like manner. Due to the high intensity of the therapy, it is not easily tolerated. There are relatively few complications that can arise from transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The most common problem is incorrect dosing of the frequency. Frequencies set too high may cause skin irritation, or burning. Other problems may arise from repeated use of electrode pads, and it suggested that patients use disposable pads. Indications that TENS is the correct treatment for a patient is based on the type of pain that the patient is in. Neurogenic pain, musculoskeletal pain, visceral pain, diabetic neuropothy, and several other disorders, some not related to pain, are all indications for TENS usage. Those that shouldn't use transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy include those who are pregnant, or those with pacemakers. It is important that the patient is thoroughly educated regarding placement of electrodes. While alone, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is not a proven treatment, it is often prescribed in conjunction with pain medications, and together can for a successful pain management regimen. To learn more about tens crps therapy or to get more information about crps pain management, visit crpsnews.org
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tens crps, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, complex regional pain syndrome, crps, crps pain management, crps help, crps medicine,
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