TENS unit and neuropathy
 

Hey there

I'm wondering if anyone here uses a TENS unit for a problem OTHER THAN neuropathy.

I have 5 things wrong in my lower back, and the only pain relief I get is from a heating pad. However, now that I am on the fentanyl patch, I am not allowed to use a heating pad because it will make the patch release more medicine than it should and it can cause an overdose.

Therefore, I've been dealing with some major back pain without any relief. Today I decided to try my TENS unit that was prescribed for my back a few years ago.

I put it on and started it up... got to 6.5 and left it. I only had it on a few minutes before I started getting major shocks and spasms in my left foot--on the underside/bottom of my foot. I turned the TENS unit off and it subsided.

So my question is this--does anyone have a similar issue, where a TENS unit bothers their neuropathy?

If so, have you found any ways to make it better, such as going to a lower setting or moving the electrodes? I need relief in my back, but not if it will be at the expense of my feet. I have greater pain in my feet than my back, and am finally getting minimal relief from this patch--the last thing I want is to make the pain worse.

Thanks!

Hi Sarah
Why dont you try to get a second hand medical rebuilder, I have one and although I dont believe it is curing me it does give me pain relief when I am using it. It is also very good at getting the circulation going, I only ever have swollen ankles when I dont use it.
Also my doc showed me how to do accupuncture and that sometimes gives some relief.
Take Care

I've tried to find one but can't find any that I can afford.. I don't have any money because I can't work... maybe someday but probably not for years. Thanks for the suggestion, though. :)

I only paid £20 which is around $30 on ebay so keep searching, it may just work for you. I will keep my fingers crossed xx

I don't even have $30 right now.. I have bills to pay and no income.. so something like that will have to wait. I don't even have enough for my next cell phone bill. =\

Hi Sarah Mae ~ Can I offer a suggestion? PLEASE don't use heat on your back. I was taught by a Neurosurgeon that heat draws blood to the heated area and causes swelling. It's already swollen in there if there's pain. Ice should ONLY be used, and 20 minutes at a time, every 2 hours. It's worked for me, and I've had spinal pain for 24 years. In fact I've had 2 open surgeries. So throw your heating pad away, and keep the ice handy. :wink: You'll be surprised at how much better your back will feel because it will reduce the swelling and numb the pain. Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, Lee

Yes, Ditto from me too. My chiropractor explained that heat applied stimulates nerves and is to be avoided. If you feel you need some warmth, 20 minutes tops on a low setting once or twice a day.

But I also use cold packs now exclusively and find they work well and stop the nerves from sending pain signals.

Heat also stimulates inflammatory systems and swelling, and we don't need that with neuropathy.

Using a cold pack with a protective cloth between it and your skin, for 30 minutes about 3 times a day, will help tone down those nerves. Too much is not good either, as with the heat.
So moderate careful use should always be done.

I do appreciate you guys telling me that.. I didn't know that. But really, heat is the only thing that gives me relief. Ice on my back makes it 10 times worse--I can't use that. It is incredibly painful and then it causes my feet to get frozen and then my feet hurt worse... it's not worth it.

As I said, I can't use the heat right now anyway because of the fentanyl patch. I don't know how long I will be on these patches... but as long as I am, I'm not allowed to use the heat anyway. It makes my back much better though.

That's why I tried the TENS unit, but that just irritated my feet. All I want is some relief from all this pain!

People with RSD cannot tolerate ice treatments. I think you should read our forum here, and even put up pics of your legs when they turn colors, to see what those posters think. Many are very very helpful in this regard.

Most PNers and chronic pain patients do get relief from proper cold treatments for pain.

Keep that in mind. RSD is a form of neuropathy, but affects different nerves, and the sooner you get evaluated for that, the better. I know you have financial issues, but you may qualify for Medicaid in your state.

When RSD first starts, some treatments with calcium channel blockers can work. So early treatment is important.

I don't qualify for Medicaid--we already checked into that. Don't qualify for any medical help until I am approved for disability, and they said to expect 2-4 years for an answer.

I don't think I have RSD. We were thinking maybe I did, but over the weekend I think I figured out what was causing the pooling. I wrote all about that in another post, I believe in this forum. I did have a bone scan last week to check for RSD, but all the websites I found said that it is only about 50% accurate and really, a doctor just needs to diagnose it either way. I'm expecting the bone scan to look normal... but I don't know when they are going to have the results for me.