Attention random internetters:
Does anyone with back pain have any experience with TENS units?
I am paying $25 per physical therapy session where most of what they do is hook me up to one of these for 15 minutes. I’ve already spent $100, which is the cost of a TENS unit in the first place! So why not just buy one for myself?
This back pain sucks. I think it’s been four months now. I am almost nearly-miserable at work, and it is pretty much on my mind every minute of every day. I did not know just how much this can make life suck.
August 19, 2006 at 7:57 PM
Does your back feel better after the 15 minutes on the TENS unit? If it does buy one!
Two years ago I could not walk, stand or sit without pain. Doctor sent me to a pain management doctor. Went for physical therapy, rented a TENS unit and received shots coating the disk. 98% better in no time. Back still gets sore but the TENS unit I bought takes care of that. I also continue physical therapy on my own.
April 14, 2011 at 9:31 AM
I had neck pain for years and asked my doctor to write a RX for a TENS unit. He said it wouldn’t work, but as soon as the nurse hooked it up and turned it on I had immediate relief. The cause of pain thru MRI was C5-6 disc problem.
If the TENS doesn’t work immediately, I would try to use 550mgs Anaprox and Soma or Valium.
August 20, 2006 at 12:52 PM
Well, I asked my physical therapist about it, and apparantly it is not actually a TENS unit. She said a TENS unit only zaps down to the NERVE level, MASKING pain but not really treating the cause of the pain in the slightest (and my own research seems to support this).
What they actually have is a different name… Electro-Stimu-something. “Dynaflex 650″ was the machine’s name I think (already googled it to no avail–I think I got the name wrong).
They said that it actually shocks all the way down into the muscle, increasing blood flow in the muscle area. She said that comparatively, a TENS unit would just be like tingling on the skin. The unit they use at my P.T. actually makes your entire back feel like it is being grabbed.
The muscles twitch from the shock, but it only feels electrical during the first 5 seconds. It feels REALLY GOOD the rest of the time, like a magical massage. (But not as good as sitting in the $5,000 chair at the healthy back store.)
So, she said, “go ahead and buy a TENS unit if you want, but don’t expect it to feel like this”.
I would probably be disappointed.
I want what THEY have.
July 6, 2011 at 1:20 AM
The purpose of the TENS unit is simply for pain relief, not an actual solution to the problem. From the research I’ve done myself, what it does is basically abort “messages” to the brain that cause you to feel pain. However, in regards to the other machine you mentioned, I know it is VERY dangerous to use such a machine that it makes your muscles twitch. Whatever power setting this machine works at is dangerous to your muscles and could potentially create worse problems.
September 13, 2006 at 9:44 PM
The machine in question is the dynatron 650. Proper term is the “Interferential Current Machine.” This unit does shock down to the muscle, not only just at the surface, and does to a better job at pain relief. That being said, TENS helps a number of my patients with their home pain relief. Other incredibly effective options are Acupuncture and Chiropractic. Feel free to email me at markjagger_dc@yahoo.ca, I may be able to help get you the machine you’re looking for.
September 14, 2006 at 3:08 PM
Yes. The Dynatron 650 — that’s exactly what they used for me. They never did know the proper term for it. I’ll email you about the details, thanks.
September 18, 2006 at 12:00 PM
So….. turns out these things cost $2,500, significantly more than a $99 TENS unit. Whoa.
February 12, 2007 at 1:42 PM
Bush goes ballistic about other countries being evil and dangerous, because they have weapons of mass destruction. But, he insists on building up even a more deadly supply of nuclear arms right here in the US. What do you think? Why has bush turned our country from a country of hope and prosperity to a country of belligerence and fear.
Our country is in debt until forever, we don’t have jobs, and we live in fear. We have invaded a country and been responsible for thousands of deaths.
We have lost friends and influenced no one. No wonder most of the world thinks we suck. Thanks to what george bush has done to our country during the past three years, we do!
September 26, 2011 at 9:32 PM
you’re an ass
September 27, 2011 at 11:05 AM
He’s right, which makes YOU the ass.
September 27, 2011 at 11:26 AM
perhaps I should re-phrase. He is absolutely right about George Bush, but what does that have to do with tens and pain? To use a medical forum to espouse political beliefs (no matter how correct) that have nothing to do with the subject is ridiculous and thus, makes him an ass.
September 27, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Oh, THAT! Okay, I agree with you now that I know where you’re coming from. It’s like the people nowadays who blame everything from their own flatulence to the quality of The Simpsons episodes on Obama.
February 12, 2007 at 7:55 PM
Antibush — I couldn’t agree more, but what does this have to do with my back problems or a TENS unit? Surely you could have attached your spiel to another post :)
March 12, 2007 at 11:00 AM
YES!!!!!! I own a tens unit. It was sold to me by a chiropractor in 2001 and I would be very upset if it ever quits working. No it is not as strong as what your doctor uses but I leave mine turned on for a full day and my pain is more than halfed the next day. If you can get your doctot to prescribe you one BUY IT!
Yuo’ll love it!
March 12, 2007 at 6:50 PM
Bart — fortunately no prescription is required for a tens unit. At least, not practically, as they are sold on ebay.
Of course what I wanted was not a TENS, but a Dynatron 650.. but at $2500.. ouch :)
July 6, 2011 at 1:21 AM
What he meant by prescription was so as to avoid paying for a unit out of pocket. Obviously you can buy them over the counter, but if you have insurance, why not use it?
October 8, 2007 at 5:21 PM
I have a small tens unit. An empi I love it. I want some advice on replenishing the polyadhesive electrodes. Empi want $19 plus shipping and handling. On various websites they want $7.99 plus another $8.99 shipping and handling. There has to be a less expensive way……do you know of any?
with thanks Tanga
tangacleeve@comcast.net
June 29, 2010 at 11:02 PM
To replenish the electrode simply put a small drop of water on the pad and work it into the gel. If it is beyond help you can call me at 800-593-9660 ask for pk. We manufacture our own brand here in Terrell, Tx.
October 10, 2008 at 4:30 PM
I’m asking the dr for script for a TENS unit. It works great for me at PT
June 29, 2010 at 11:06 PM
If you can get the tens script from dr, Blue Hand Supply has lifetime warranty and the best price around. Be prepared to fax the script. Ask for PK 800-593-9660.
October 10, 2008 at 4:36 PM
[...] of you with back pain, this guy or folks on his blog says it great for [...]
November 8, 2008 at 1:54 PM
LGMedSupply has TENS Unit, Muscle Stimulators, and Ultrasound Units at really good prices. They are very affordable and easy to use. Good power like the pt office I go to. The site is http://www.lgmedsupply.com
June 29, 2010 at 11:08 PM
Blue Hand Supply Has better prices and warranty. http://www.bluehandsupply.com or just call me.
November 28, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Vitality Medical.com has some affordable ones as well. I prefer the lumiscope models.
December 8, 2008 at 8:23 PM
I really recommend you getting a Cefar Primo Pro. I am using a bit simpler and cheaper model, but this is the one if you want to get rid of your back pain without pills.
January 5, 2009 at 4:00 PM
I had such a great time with my tens unit – its from http://www.tensunit.com – but it was a bodyclock unit. I think they are the ones that supply them and a lof of other companies – i just checked http://www.bodyclock.net
January 5, 2009 at 4:02 PM
another thing – i found that if you leave your unit on pulse width 80 and pulse rate 100 it was the best setting
January 14, 2009 at 6:05 AM
Oh my gosh yeah those ones from http://www.bodyclock.net are real good and I can actually afford them!
February 12, 2009 at 10:33 PM
I have had a home tens unit for years,(EPIX -XL) it works just as good as the one at PT. It helps the pain not cures it. The best thing you could do is excerise. Build your core for the rest of your life, It’s hard to do when you hurt real bad. I have had three surgerys and I still have to excerise everyday.
September 2, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I bought my tens unit from this place called blue hand supply. it was only 50 dollars and all i had to do was fax them a perscription. their number is 877 563 9660 Angelic
September 6, 2009 at 10:04 PM
I got my tens unit on Amazon. It’s an Experian Health tens unit, and I love it.
Feels like an excellent massage. http://www.amazon.com/Experian-Stimulator-Electrodes-Fibromyalgia-Arthritis/dp/B002FIXW3M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1252292586&sr=1-4
Works as good as the one at the chiropractors office.
April 21, 2010 at 4:37 PM
Its a shame all you are getting is TENS for back pain. There is no evidence for its effectiveness. You need to see a Board Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist who is a Spine Specialist. Then you will get better:)
April 21, 2010 at 4:40 PM
If it helps you feel better, then it helps, period. Shaming people for doing something that helps them is like shaming someone for taking an aspirin for a headache. The aspirin won’t fix the root cause, it will make them feel better. That’s the whole point behind analgesics. They cure nothing, but make life livable.
So I disagree with your “anti” advice.
But I agree with your “pro” advice. Not even my doctor told me that spine specialists even existed…
So I guess the next question is — How does one locate such a doctor?
Of course our insurance companies have web search tools, but what do we need to look for?
June 29, 2010 at 11:40 PM
No evidence!!!!EXCUSE ME???!!! I was in severe pain, felt like my hip, after a bowling injury. After many years of chiropractic,physical therapy and OD help (cortisone shots, flexeril, etc.) and NO improvement, I ran across a TENS unit well before the @#$% FDA got into the act and wanted prescriptions for everything. I wore the unit for nearly 3 yrs, many days for 24 hrs. around the clock, enjoying life again, rarely in more than minor pain. Now I am 52 and only need to use my TENS unit every couple of weeks or so at night, probably because my mattress is shot. Otherwise, except for normal aging, I have very little or no pain from the old injury, WITHOUT DR. intervention, physical therapy, or chiropractors. I have saved a FORTUNE in dollars and pain. I only wish one of the idiots would have told me about the TENS unit years earlier. I had to stumble over one myself. There are new surgeries now, but I can’t afford them, and am happy as long as I have my trusty TENS unit. It is beat up, but still works. Trying to find another without a prescription to replace it. After many years of research I figure I have sciatica due to a disc that slips in and out, or bulges, or both.
I’m not a Dr., but I am not dumb either. I also used a book that has very gentle, effective, exercises for neck and low back pain called “7 Steps to a Pain Free Life” by McKenzie for the last 3 yrs. which also helped. I do believe that physical therapist are fantastic,if you have insurance that will actually pay for enough time with them to correct the problem. I had scoliosis as a child and thanks to some fine PT’s never had to have surgery or a brace. I, myself, am a speech/language therapist and am trying to get my son to go into a PT career. Many folks lives have been dramatically improved by these simple, relatively inexpensive, and very often effective devices. Until someones wipes out insurance companies and completely revamps them and medical care, alternatives should be made readily available to control pain.
March 27, 2012 at 9:06 PM
Same here… Eight years of back pain, so many doctors I lost count. Finally went to a doctor to get an implanted electronic spinal cord stimulator, when he asked me if I had ever tried a tens unit. Worked so well, I refused to take it off. Unfortunately though, after nine months of wear, I developed an allergic reaction to the gel pads. If anyone knows a cure for that other than benedryl & cortisone, please let me know…I miss my tens unit so bad!!
June 3, 2012 at 6:19 AM
There is “sween cream” that helps soothe sore, red drying skin from the electrode pads.
It’s also a non interfering cream you can put directly on the pads to avoid allergic reactions of the skin.
September 22, 2010 at 11:51 PM
Who can afford a Specialist? That is why I am looking to buy a TENS unit to help with the pain so I can exercise to get better. Alex if you have some extra money to donate to my physical well being I will gladly accept it.
April 21, 2010 at 7:07 PM
First, aspirin is now only prescribed as a blood thinner. No longer for pain. Too many side effects and other meds work better.
Second, I have done a lot of research on the topic of TENS. There are many studies including the Philadelphia Cochrane Studies that have invalidated the use of TENS in almost all cases. It is free to but in many other countries without a prescription.
Second, I am a Board Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist who specializes in Spine. We are around, not many of us (about 1-4% of the physical therapists in the US-100 or so in New Jersey).
I hope this information helps
April 21, 2010 at 7:53 PM
Well, you missed my point about aspirin: It could have been any analgesic, from ibuprofen to heroin.
But, good to know.
I know when I was hooked up to the Dynatron 650, it gave me enough relief that I actually got in contact with a doctor in canada who would sell me one for ~$600 or so — and I considered it.
But the relief wasn’t permanent. Just temporary. Still, I was very close to being willing to pay that much just for temporarily relief!
You don’t practice in VA under Aetna by any chance? :)
April 24, 2010 at 7:09 PM
I have a TENS unit I am selling for $900. I only used it 10 times. It has everyting with it. I called the company and they are sending me a new charger, if you want it email me. kamm1978@yahoo.com
July 29, 2010 at 6:10 PM
I got one free from my Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Doctor I see. He deals with pain medicine. I have been having a lot of pain in my back due to damaged nerves in my lower back due to an operation. He also does physical therapy on my back. Yes, he hooked me up to one of the devices for 15 minutes daily at each visit which was twice a week. He also did physical theraphy on me for one hour twice a week. This was a very important part of the treatment, including the electrode device. When I first saw him I was on so much medication I could hardly walk my pain was so severe. I have seen this doctor now for two month’s now and I have very little pain now. I take very little medication now for pain. My pain level when I first started this treatment was way over a 10. I would rate it now a 3 and sometimes a 1 or 2. I do use the electrode device everytime my back has pain now, which is very low. I only see this Doctor now monthy just to give him a report on how I am doing and what he suggestions. Medicare paid for my device and I understand nearly all other medical insurance will pay for the device if the doctor orders it for you. I deal with Empi and they will automatically send me new pads automatically with out me asking for some more. Now if I need any sooner or batteries, they will send them to me free. Any questions, feel free to email me. I was told not not buy those other devices out on the market for they are not reliable and not covered under a warranty and they will not be the true kind. I will be glad to send you my email address if needed for any other questions.
July 29, 2010 at 6:14 PM
In my case I did not need a 10 unit. I put two pads on my back and that is all that is needed. I agree with other’s you do need to see a specialist. I live in Orlando, Fl and if you do, I would be glad to recommed you my doctor.
August 10, 2010 at 9:17 PM
I live in Casselberry and would appreciate your doctor’s name.
Thanks.
August 13, 2010 at 1:35 PM
story has it that a doctor will only prescribe a tens unit for back pain cuz that is the only proven part of th body it works on here’s an eye opener for everybody!!
back in 1997 I was having severe pain in my right knee- my doctor said that I had arthritis in my knee and wanted to put me on cortisone- I declined the cortisone and told him THAT I WAS Also having lower back pain and asked him to give me a perscription for a tens unit( electrical nerve stimulator) I used the tens unit on my right knee I wore it all day at work- took it off for my shower and wore it the rest of the day and all night while I was sleeping after using the tens unit that way for three whole days my painin my right knee was gone and here it is thirteen years later and my pain never came back- I swear by the tens unit and it’s hard to say what other kinds of benefits a person can get from the use of a tens unit- my story is a fact and if I took the cotisone like my doctor wanted me to , I’d probably still on it today!!!!
September 27, 2010 at 8:24 PM
Looks like Alex has a bit of an inferiority complex. I’m an orthopedic surgeon and can tell you that many physical therapists and chiropractors have the know how. I mean, they have to display some sort of proficiency to pass their board exams. Also TENS DOES WORK for some patients, but not all. Just like surgery, meds, physical therapy, etc. Not everything works for everybody, which common sense should tell you anyway (Alex). Sometimes those who think they are “specialized” feel the need to think they are better than others, how then do they treat their patients? With respect I hope.
July 15, 2011 at 4:36 PM
I bought a TENS Unit from LGMedSupply. I had a very bad back and a friend told me about the TENS Unit they had and how effective it was in relieving their pain. It was really, really effective and the representatives were very nice and knowledgeable. I am happy I found such an excellent company to work with. I recommend anyone that needs a tens unit for pain visit http://www.LGMedSupply.com for some great information and advice on purchasing a TENS Unit. Thank you, Nikki.
September 5, 2011 at 8:10 PM
Is there anyone out there from Britain ( Wales ). We have NHS here and not medical insurance as in USA. ( Unless one is very well off +can afford to pay into BUPA or some other private health insurance ) so our Doctors dont give prescriptions out for TeNS units–we have to buy them over the counter so to speak.
I have prolapsed discs which cause sciatica ( down both legs ! ). I have used TeNS Total by Allied Health but this has now packed in so I am hunting for a new model, preferably a stronger pulse/frequency/intensity and want to know if anyone can recommend a unit. I have heard of a stronger device called a TSE by Acticare which works in a different way to TeNS; it has 2 gel pads placed ON the spine and this causes the pain gateway to be blocked. This is how I understand it. Has anyone used this TSE and found it useful? Also with regards to the TeNS units out there how does one know which pulse/frequency/intensity to use or is it just a case of trial and error?
Thanks, Jag.
October 30, 2011 at 11:36 PM
You need a dual unit, TENS (transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation0 that can also act as an EMS (electro Muscle Stimulation)
Your backpain is prob’ly from a pinched nerve and the tens would work OK. It cause the brain to release endodorphins which are the bodies own analgesics, and you’d place the electrodes (4) all arount the pain area. You’d have to do it for 30 minutes per day and try various settings. It wont fix it, but it’ll fix the pain for 24-36 hours
October 31, 2011 at 12:15 AM
my tens unit does the job of a myriad of narcotics and muscle relaxers…I highly recommend them..I have an Empi Active unit..which is tiny..but it can run electrodes or a belt specifically designed to target the lower back…there is no doubt: it blocks pain.
December 6, 2011 at 11:58 AM
I have been using an Empi Active tens device for years. At 21 I was thrown from a car, ( A dr. negligently ran a stop sign). After years of pain medicine after pain medicine I begged for anything that would help. The dr. prescribed my tens unit and I use daily. maybe only for a few minutes each day, but it’s blissful, AND IT WORKS! I would recommend this to anyone with back pain. Until you suffer, you can’t say that they don’t work. I wasn’t looking for a cure, just an acute relief.
May 4, 2012 at 4:15 PM
I just started using a tens unit and I seem to be experiencing some nausea with it, has anyone else experienced this?
July 6, 2012 at 9:21 AM
Hey!
Considering buying a TENS here. I can’t work-out anymore because of the pain!
Think it would help?
July 6, 2012 at 10:50 AM
Now that I’ve gotten used to it, my tens unit really helps. When I know I am going to be more active or walking more I make sure I have it on. It helps fool the pain. I think men have it easier to wear. It can be a pain with hips and curves sometimes. It is worth it, my unit is a Nexwave by Zenex, it has settings for Tens, IFC and NMES and each of those have 3 different pulses patterns. You do go through a lot of 9 volt batteries, so I got rechargeable ones. Hope this helps.