TENS for Back Pain: Explanations and important notes

TENS is an electrical nerve stimulator through the skin, which is a treatment of back pain that uses low voltage electric current to relieve pain.
Learn more about TENS here: TENS vs. EMS: Understand the Difference

TENS is usually made with a TENS unit (a small battery operated device).

How can TENS help relieve back pain?

There have been many studies on TENS for back pain. However, there are no famous reports yet, and it seems that Health organizations ignore TENS

Its use originated in the 1960s with the introduction of pain gate control theory. In theory, stimulating nerves play a "gate" mechanism in the spinal cord, and that can help eliminate pain.

The gate-control theory:

The use of electroanalgesia increased with the publication of the gate-control theory (Melzack and Wall, 1965). This hypothesised that pain is caused by activity in small-diameter nerve fibres and that, by stimulating the larger-diameter sensory nerve fibres, the perception of pain could be reduced.
Melzack and Wall (1965) proposed that a physiological gating mechanism exists in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. This “gate” can be opened or closed to allow or inhibit the transmission of painful information through it, and up to the brain where it is processed. 

During TENS treatment for back pain, electrodes are placed on the skin on an area of ​​the back pain. This creates electrical impulses that move along the nerve fibers and create a tingling sensation. Pain relief usually begins immediately and stops immediately after treatment.

Another theory is that stimulating nerves can help the body produce natural painkillers called endorphin. This is like the additional hypothesis for acupuncture to relieve pain.

Notes in using TENS for back pain

TENS is used properly, usually safe. If you think you want to try TENS for back pain, talk to your doctor. TENS is not for everyone. For example, your doctor may advise against using TENS if you have a pacemaker or you are in the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Before starting TENS, ask your doctor or physical therapist about how to use TENS.

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take the following precautions:

• Do not place the electrodes on broken or irritated skin.
• Do not drive while using a TENS unit.
• Do not use the device in a bathroom or bathtub.
• Do not use TENS set with hot pads or cooler bags.
• Do not use TENS while sleeping.
• Use TENS only for reasons requested by the doctor. Let your doctor know if your condition changes.
• Do not leave the electrodes in place for long periods without checking and cleaning the skin below them.
• If the rash or burn develops below the electrodes and lasts more than six hours, stop TENS. Also call your doctor or physical therapist.

If you are learning TENS for back pain, it is likely that you will search:

• TENS and Acupuncture: Understand The Differences
• Frequency documents and sounds for acupressure therapy for back pain: Natural Synergy Cure