Using a TENS Machine to Relieve Lower Back 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 can place the pads where you feel pain.

• If your unit has two pads, put one on each side of the painful area, keeping them at least 1 inch apart. For back pain on both sides, place one pad on each side of your spine. If you have pain on one side, place both pads close together on that side of your spine.

• If your unit has four pads, use one set above and another below the painful area to help ease the pain.

Is it safe to apply a TENS unit directly to my spine?

It's best not to place TENS pads directly on your spine. Also, avoid placing TENS pads in these areas:

• The front or sides of your neck
• The sides of your head
• Near your eyes or mouth
• Areas that feel numb
• Over varicose veins
• Skin that's infected or irritated
• Both your chest and upper back simultaneously

Using a TENS Unit for Lower Back Pain: A Guide

Before using a TENS device at home, it's wise to talk to a doctor first to find out if it could help your condition and how to use it correctly.

Here's a basic guide on using a TENS unit for lower back pain at home:

1. Clean the area where you'll place the pads with water or rubbing alcohol and let it dry.
2. Turn the machine off and place the pads on your skin, making sure they are at least an inch apart.
3. Connect the electrode wires to the pads and the TENS unit.
4. Turn on the TENS unit and adjust the frequency and intensity settings. Typically, a frequency between 50 Hz to 150 Hz is used, and you should adjust the intensity to a level where you feel a strong but comfortable sensation. Lower the intensity if it feels painful or uncomfortable.
5. Run the machine for your treatment session, usually lasting between 15 to 60 minutes. If you're unsure, start with 30 to 45 minutes.
6. Turn off the machine and remove the electrode pads.

Remember, consulting a medical professional before starting TENS therapy is recommended to ensure it's suitable for you and to learn how to use it safely.

How frequently should a TENS unit be used for alleviating lower back pain?

Unlike some medicines that can be harmful if taken too much, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is safe from the risk of overdose. You can use it whenever you need to reduce pain during the day. Experts often suggest using it up to four times a day for pain relief.

Risks and Precautions

Experts believe that TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is usually safe with minimal side effects. Occasionally, people may notice skin irritation where the pads are placed. Burns at the electrode sites are uncommon.

Before using TENS, consult a doctor if you:

• Have a pacemaker
• Are pregnant or might be pregnant
• Have epilepsy or a heart condition

Can a TENS Machine Help with Lower Back Pain?

Scientists still don't agree on which kinds of pain and health issues TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) can actually help with.

In a review done in 2021, researchers examined how well TENS works for sudden or ongoing pain. Here's a breakdown of what they found:

• TENS showed positive results in 69 studies.
• TENS didn't show any benefits in 13 studies.
• The evidence for TENS was unclear or not strong enough in 87 studies to determine if it really works.

Which forms of back pain can be alleviated by TENS therapy?

Doctors often use TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to help with different kinds of lower back pain, such as:

• General back pain with no specific cause
• Strains in the muscles that happen suddenly
• Long-lasting or chronic back pain
• Pain after having surgery
• Pain experienced during childbirth

Key points

TENS works by using electricity to stop pain signals from reaching your spinal cord and brain, which helps to reduce pain. It might help relieve back pain, although there are different opinions about how well it works.

You can purchase a TENS unit without needing a doctor's prescription, but it's smart to talk to a medical professional first. They can show you the best way to use it, like where to put the pads on your body and which settings to use for your specific pain.

Disclaimer: 

Dr. Berner does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical diseases or conditions; instead, he analyzes and corrects the structure of his patients with Foundational Corrections to improve their overall quality of life. He works with their physicians, who regulate their medications. This blog post is not designed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any other individual. The information provided in this post or through linkages to other sites is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, consultation, or the advice of your physician or another healthcare provider. Foundation Chiropractic and Dr. Brett Berner are not liable or responsible for any advice, the course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or products you obtain through this article or others.