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Using a TENS Machine to Relieve Lower Back Pain
While experts may not fully agree on whether transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) really helps with lower back pain, they generally think it’s safe and doesn’t cause many problems. You can find out the best spots to put the TENS pads to help with this kind of pain.
A TENS unit is a small device that sends gentle electrical pulses through pads placed on your body to help ease pain. These pulses stop pain signals from reaching your brain and spinal cord.
The idea of using electricity for pain relief goes way back to Roman times, about 2,000 years ago. A Roman doctor named Scribonius Largus thought that electric fish from the sea could help with pain.
Today, TENS units are approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for various types of pain relief:
- Chronic pain
- Pain after surgery or injury
- Temporary pain from sore muscles due to exercise, work, or daily activities
- Arthritis
To find out more about using a TENS unit to potentially manage back pain, keep reading.
Placement of TENS Pads for Lower Back Pain
TENS units have small pads that stick to your skin. These pads help relieve pain. You…
