Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

There are two ways that TENS therapy provides pain relief. First, the electric currents can stimulate nerve cells that block pain signals, essentially modifying a patient’s pain perception. Additionally, the nerve stimulation provided by the electrical currents can raise the level of endorphins—the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals. The elevated endorphin levels can also work to block the perception of pain.

What Conditions Are Treated with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)?

TENS treatments are currently being studied for their effectiveness in providing short-term and long-term pain relief in a variety of conditions. Some of the most common conditions treated with TENS therapy include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Lower back pain
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis

These are just a couple of the most common conditions treated with TENS therapy. The best way to determine whether TENS therapy is right for you is to consult with your doctor.

The Risks and Benefits of TENS Therapy

TENS treatments are non-invasive and make a great supplement to prescriptions and medications. Additionally, TENS devices are small, portable, and easy to use. This means that patients can use the device at home when pain relief is needed.

However, just like any procedure, there are some potential side effects associated with TENS therapy. These include:

• Burns at the electrode sites
• Allergic reactions—most commonly, red, irritated skin or rashes
• Sensitivity to the tingling sensations of the TENS device

These are some of the most common side effects associated with TENS therapy. Depending on the cause of your pain, TENS treatments can be an effective means of finding pain relief. The best way to determine if these treatments are right for you is to consult a skilled spine doctor.

If you have been using conservative treatments for your leg or back pain but aren’t seeing results, it may be helpful to consult a spine surgeon to see if TENS therapy is right for you. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our surgeons are dedicated to treating your pain and helping you get your life back.

Our experienced and board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, and orthopedic specialists work together to treat spine and back disorders with minimally invasive techniques. Our doctors understand that every person is unique and requires a personalized treatment plan. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we treat people, not patients. To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled spine experts, call (866) 272-9271 or complete our online contact form.