TENS Unit for PN
 

I am currently in physical therapy for my lower back. The therapist is using a TENS unit and mentioned that I could use it on my PN as well.

Have any of you used a TENS unit and if so, did it help or hurt you??

Thanks!
NancyH

Nancy

I have been using one on and off for about 10 yrs and sometimes its the only thing that works.
Mines is from Medtronics.
Try one out first if possible before buying one, to see if it helps you.

I have a great little Empi recharagable unit--
 

--that I've used in various locations on my body--I originally got it to help with the variable meralgia parasthetica symptoms that I have in my right thigh.

I find that it helps considerably while it is active; the sensations generated are not unpleasant and they do block pain. The pain tends to come back fairly quickly once I shut it off, though.

One other thing I have noticed--if I have a bad spot and I leave it on for many, many hours over consecutive days, sometimes the pain lessens or shifts or seems to have a different quality. I know others have reported this before, theorizing that constant application of current over a considerable length of time alters the firing pattern of the nerves. How true this is I'm not sure, but since TENS is safe and non-invasive, and the only thing it costs me is recharging the batteries, I will certainly keep using it, and recommend anyone to give it a try (like most of these PN "treatments", it seems to work well for some and not for others).

My experiences have been in...
 

the past 18 mos using the Tens Accupoint. A Tens unit [portable] used in PT on various accupuncture points. The first 3 times used, it was, well, just weird! No other way to put it... After the 4th or 5th times, I started to get the 'zeeps/zaps' that to me, indicated some reconnecting/programming of stray nerves. Since it's not 'attached' to you, is just fine with me...it works/worked! I would have a 'happy' buzz for days after! I like happy buzzes!

There are other forms of electro-stim equipments out there...TENS worked thru this other vehicle for me tho...TENS in many different forms has been around for a LOONG time. It strangely is, only now beginning to be a more 'accepted' form of therapy...Heck, I don't care! As long as it works - Great!

Other 'stim' formats seemed to either work or be adverse, depending on the machines and their settings tho. IF you feel things getting worse, speak UP and LOUDLY. Creating muscle spasms you don't need is NOT my idea of FUN!

Super good thoughts and some HAPPY Buzzes your way! - j

I've used the Rebuilder for years now, with excellent results ( www.rebuildermedical.com ). It is the single most effective pain relieving thing for me. It has an EMS switch position and the older model had a TENS switch position, but I've alway found the pulse switch position more effective.

I hope the other posters in this thread could include websites to help us find these things that help. I don't think any of us here are shills or salespeople for what works for us. We had some people try to promote stuff for commercial gain in the old Braintalk forum. It was obvious and obnoxious. I think it only hurt sales for what they were pushing.

good web site on neuro stimulation. what it is how it works...for facial pain

http://www.medtronic.com/neuro/paint...imulation.html...
I have a neruo stim it is sorta like a tens unit but not.

this woman uses another type of stimulation not tens unit or neuro ....

http://opuslinks.com/
I usualy dont just barge in but I was reading the post and thought the web sites may be helpful or at least explaine a little.I am NOT promoting any product or site, just sad that out of the whole u.s.a. me and 1 other are the only ones who have a stim. it is a shame people do not know about what is really out there . no harm intended posting the links.
Peace everyone!

Using the ReBuilder has been a BIG plus for me, other than taking Lyrica and Tramadol for pain the ReBuilder works very well when the pads are placed on accupressure points

Thanks all for responding! My husband found out that the TENS unit is covered by insurance as well! So I'm sold and if it works, I'll give it plenty of good press...

nancyh

You can also use a tens unit in water, like a rebuilder to increase the effectiveness if it s for your feet or hands, which in your case I know its not. Use either a divided bucket or two seperate buckets and put one lead in each section or bucket. Put epsom salts in the water.

Look at the Rebuilder site ( www.rebuildermedical.com ) for what the divided bucket looks like. I've seen them in Walmart for about $5.00. I use a rounded tablespoon of epsom salts to each side, and enough warm water (not hot) to cover my feet. In the summer you can use cool water. I've had a physical therapist treat a swollen running injury with TENS and ice water.

Sessions should be about 1/2 hour each. I wouldn't do more than 2 a day. The power level should be very noticable but not at all painful. The goal is to stimulate and soothe the nerves and muscles for pain relief and to promote healing, not irritate them.

After each session, I pat dry the skin and gently massage with skin creme. Anything soothing and protective will work.

Didnt work for me made things worse

Nothing helps everybody, and some things are healing for a very few (P-5-P for example). Conversely, what helps many can be harmful to a few (some vitamins for example), and what helps a few can be harmful for most (insulin injections come to mind)

A few people who had bad results with electrostimulation reported in the BrainTalk forum that they set the power level way too high and actually caused more damage for that reason.

I have a device very similar to a tens machine, i found starting on a very low stimulation and building it up very slowly increasing the power only up to half the max power and leaving it on that for a while gave me the best results.
Some of these machines have really got some zap in them, and seeing PN is all about damaged nerves, i think treating them gently might be the way to go.

One more question
 

Thanks, all, for the input. I have also been considering the Rebuilder. Should I try the TENS machine first and if I don't get results, then go to the Rebuilder. How long should I give the TENS machine before I experience less pain?

Thanks again,
NancyH

I noticed a definate improvement with less numbness and fewer of the excruciating 'electric" shock in about three weeks with twice daily use when I started about 10 years ago. Now after all these years, the reduction in pain includes a reduction in general achiness with each use.

Most of the research has been done with TENS, and it's been shown to be highly effective for all types of nerve damage in both animals and humans. I agree with HeyJoe's recommendation of using it in a warm water bath. A physical therapist did that with me years ago. The magnesium sulphate (epsom salts) in the water bath is healing and soothing.

Can I use my Tens unit or only specific ones in water?
 

I've seen them in Walmart for about $5.00. I use a rounded tablespoon of epsom salts to each side, and enough warm water (not hot) to cover my feet. In the summer you can use cool water. I've had a physical therapist treat a swollen running injury with TENS and ice water.

Sessions should be about 1/2 hour each. I wouldn't do more than 2 a day. The power level should be very noticable but not at all painful. The goal is to stimulate and soothe the nerves and muscles for pain relief and to promote healing, not irritate them.

After each session, I pat dry the skin and gently massage with skin creme. Anything soothing and protective will work.[/QUOTE]

Can I use any tens unit? I have one already or do I have to by that $500 one :0

I wouldn't unless your unit specifically says it can be used in water. If it doesn't short out the unit, it may at least void the warranty. If in doubt, call the mfr.

Doc