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TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a non-invasive technique used to bring effective relief to musculoskeletal, neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Before discussing how this technique is applied, here is a brief overview of the kinds of pain that this treatment will help.

Musculoskeletal pain includes osteoporosis, arthritis, scoliosis, back injuries, or a pinched nerve. Pain can be in one specific area or it may be diffused (widespread). Musculoskeletal pain can be very severe especially in chronic cases of rheumatoid arthritis. The pain can be dull, penetrating, or deep.

Neuropathic pain is related to injuries of the central nervous system. This pain has a sharp, cutting, or burning sensation. Even a simple touch on the painful part can be agonizing. According to the severity of the damage, neuropathic pain may continue for months or even years.

Nociceptive pain occurs with bruising, bumps, bone fractures, pulled muscles, or sprains and strains. Nociceptive pain is generally localized and it is a constant feeling of aching or throbbing. Because these types of injuries involve the nerves, this kind of pain can be extremely harsh.

During a therapy of TENS, electrodes are put on the skin. These are self-adhesive pads which will conduct electrical currents from a machine to the skin. Certain types of electrodes need to be taped in position.

The word transcutaneous means ‘through the skin’. The electrical currents pass through to nerve endings on the skin, making the skin heat up. This heat permeates into the painful areas and relieves pain, reduces stiffness and improves mobility. This type of treatment also increases the production of endorphins ‘ these are the body’s own pain killers.

The machines are battery-powered, small and portable so they can be moved around easily. If you are doing your own treatment, you can control the strength of the electrical stimuli. If you need long term treatment, you can hire a machine.

If a therapist is administering the treatment, he or she may also use special gels or topical lotions. Using a method called iontophoresis, these medications are worked into the skin, via the electrical current. This further reduces inflammation and pain.

The therapist may put the electrodes on other places of your body, even though the pain is somewhere else. Pain often stems from certain nerves or other trigger points. When these are stimulated, the benefits are passed to the affected area.

TENS is also called electroanalgesia, meaning pain relief through electrical stimuli. This type of therapy is not restricted to neuropathic, nociceptive or musculoskeletal pain. It is also commonly used to treat atypical facial pain, post-surgery pain, neuralgia, neurogenic pain, and even incontinence.

It would be wise to talk to your doctor if you are thinking about having TENS. While it is considered to be safe, there may be some medical conditions which could worsen. For example, TENS should not be administered to a pregnant woman because she may go into early labor. TENS is not recommended for anyone that has had a pace-maker fitted.

A painless way to relieve pain is by using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. This is also referred to as TENS for short.