[legzzalot]

Upon telling my physical therapist how much I enjoy the TENS unit we use at the end of each session, he tells me that most insurance companies will cover to have one at home if the doc writes a prescription for it.

I was thinking about talking to either the Neuro or the ortho about it. Wondering if anyone here uses one at home and if it is helpful?

[Dejibo]

Have one...LOVE IT!

I have the belt that I dont have to worry about asking someone for help to put the electrodes on my back. its like the belts home depot employees wear, but it has 4 electrodes in it.

LOVE IT! It has made the difference between doubling my meds, and just being able to get the spasms to stop.

Make sure if you are using it on your back, you ask your MD for the prescription for the belt.

[Jomar]

My dad uses a TENS for his back pain, had it for yrs now.

I have had PT & chiro use another type of electrical stimulation called IF stim.
It is great for muscle type pain, it goes deeper than a TENS and without the stinging if turned up.

I bought a EMS {electric muscle stim} for my own home use but I sometimes wish I had gotten the IF {needs a drs rx/sig to buy}

this tells of the differences-
http://vitalityweb.com/backstore/Muscle-Stimulator.htm

[EddieF]

I have one somehow from physical therapist stating it was effective to my Dr and the one I have I mightve been sent home with to use but became mine (legally) after a certain amount of time? I dont remember. I do remember the co. sending a envelope to mail it back after it was charged to ins. and I called to check and they said Oh no that was a mistake. It was paid for by ins. so its yours to keep. New electrodes come monthly. I stopped new ones from coming because I have enough and know our healthcare needs all the help it can get.

[artiemouse]

I love mine. If you have a chance get one!! It is a fabulous device and everyone should have one.

[legzzalot]

I doubt my insurance will cover it, they would rather pay for the neverending supply of percocet. But, my best friend (the massage therapist/physical therapist/ nutritionist... who also has a poly sci degree and her realtors license, I think she really likes school) can order one from the massage institute she teaches at for around $100 for the nice unit. We will go that route if the doc can't get the ins to cover it.

[dmplaura]

My facial pain dentist (specialist) recommended I buy one to treat my TMJ (jaw problems), and suggested an online auction website as a way to track one down, or the local drug store for a used unit.

Otherwise, we have various locations around here that sell electronics new or used at warehouse cost, so much, much cheaper than retail (if insurance won't cover you, some ideas!).

[Friend2U]

My insurance paid for my tens unit several years ago. It was prescribed by my physical therapist, or he had my pcp precribe it for him. It worked really well for quite a while...BUT....now that I am having muscle spasms and restless legs (and arms) it just really irritates and makes those symtoms so much worse. So I haven't been able to use it for quite some time.

I used to wear it to work, classes, anywhere I was going (as needed). And just turned it on and off throughout the day. It really helped me a lot for my back pain. Anyway it helped me make it through the day.

My mother also has one that she uses on her back frequently and it really helps her.

[Erin524]

My mom has one. I'm thinking about borrowing it and seeing if it'll help me and some pain in my back and leg.

[Judy2]

How do these things work? Are they made to help nerve pain or just muscle? I think my neuro must be a "sadist" as he's never prescribed even percocet or vicadin, let alone a Tens unit!! In fact he doesn't discuss pain much at all -- of course I haven't seen or spoken by phone to him in over a year! It's really difficult since I have to depend on someone else to drive me, one hour away, and it seems like nobody wants to bother with someone who uses a wheelchair since it's pretty hard getting me into the car -- stiff legs.

If one of these would work, I'd like to try putting the belt around my buttocks and see if it would improve the "pain in the butt" I've had for over 13 years!

Thanks for any light you guys can shed on the subject.