I would be interested in hearing from people who use a Tens Unit for neck/shoulder pain. What kind of unit do you have? What do you like about it? What don’t you like about it? I have unilateral neck and shoulder pain, and I have heard that some folks have found a good measure of relief from a Tens Unit. How often do you use it? How long do you treat? Where do you find is the best place for electrode placement? Which kind of electrode do you use? Can you reuse them? Any information would be greatly appreciated, since I am clueless.

A friend with MS, uses a TENS for Muscle stimulation.....it makes you use your muscles more, so, makes them stronger...Don't know about the pain things.

Someone will come along, who has used one..

I have used TENS therapy many times, for sciatica. I don't do it myself; I get it done by a physiotherapist.

I also got other massage and ultrasound treatments (I think ) at the same time (which hurt!). After that, he would use the TENS for about 20 min.

The first time I tried it, I cried when I got off the table . . . it was the first time in SEVERAL years that I didn't feel the sciatica, and it was like a miracle.

TENS doesn't help the underlying problem, it just takes the pain away temporarily. It usually worked for 2 - 3 days for me, then I was back getting another TENS treatment.

I have no idea why . . . but the sciatica went away on it's own after plaguing me for many, many years. Maybe it was one of the treatments, or maybe just coincidence.

Do they know what the cause of your back is?

I would go to PT, and get them to instruct you on how to use it, if you have a home unit.

Cherie

I have a TENS unit that I use and LOVE it! Alot of people say that the tens unit did nothing for them, but my muscles get so wound up, and tight, and that is what triggers the pain for me. The TENS unit allows my muscle to stop freaking out, and has provided great relief for me.

Medicare pays for it.

From what I have read is that TENS units block the pain signals for a time.

what I have is a EMS {electronic muscle stimulation} and my chiro uses a IF stim {inferential stim} - these are more muscle focused.

My daughter had PT and they used a electronic stim machine that could be set up for a variety of protocols - neuro, muscle, etc

For the pads - yes they can be resued for quite awhile as long as you use then on clean skin. I've used the same ones for 2 yrs- but a double set came with my machine so I have 8 pads.

more info- "electronic stimulation for pain" -
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&n...in&btnG=Search

i used one a long time ago and i'm not familiar with current machines and equipment.

i was in nursing at the time working 12 hr days. i had terrible muscle pain.
i'd put the setting on low and leave it on almost the whole day. i remember it helped a lot.

anything that helps with pain is good in my book.

My dh and I each have one (obtained at different times) and really appreciate them.
Both of ours are ones that were suggested by physical therapists, then prescribed by a Dr., and covered by our insurance, as was a period of repair insurance for them.

Once they arrived, we were taught how to use them, including placement of electrodes and setting adjustments, by the PT.

These are not the same as the ones used for muscle stimulation, and they are much more effective than the ones you can order, online for instance, without a prescription.

We have different brands, wish I could remember my dh's as I prefer it to mine (EMPI), although mine is still a good thing, .

I met a woman at a Dr.'s office last wk. who pulled her shirt up to show me her "miracle" at her waist. It was the little control box for her TENS.
It turns out she wears hers most of the time, and she and her husband said it turned her life around.

I don't feel that strongly about them, but they really do help both Jim and me.

I have a TENS unit and use it for neck and shoulder pain. I love it and continue to use it off and on.