Electric Muscle Stimulator: Using an Electronic Muscle Stimulator or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS Machines) for Back Pain
Thursday, February 4th, 2010Using an Electric Muscle Stimulator or (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator TENS Machines) for Back Pain
TENS units (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) have been used by the medical and rehabilitation industries for years in treating patients for injuries, pain and rehabilitation, as well as improving circulation. An electronic muscle stimulator (EMS) stimulates the muscles by transmitting electrical impulses to them. Some claim that EMS exercises muscles, and some believe it can accelerate muscle growth. An electric muscle stimulator (EMS) or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) can be a valuable aid in rehabilitation.
In the past TENS machines (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators) have only been available by prescription, but you can now get them without one. TENS unit electrodes (pads with wires) are affixed to the skin over the area in pain. An electrical current is sent via the TENS electrodes to the nerves. It blocks pain signals from the brain, allowing the muscles to relax which alleviates pain, and you can heal more quickly because of this. TENS pain relief also encourages your body to produce natural pain killers called Endorphins or Encephalins (Enkephalin).
Many users experience pain reduction quickly, and it can last for several hours or more, depending on the severity of the injury or pain, whether acute or chronic (long-term), and the intensity of the therapy. I’ve had my TENS device since a car accident in 1997 and it’s been a savior for me. I still use it if I’ve tweaked or cramped a muscle and the pain won’t go away. Some use EMS and TENS therapy to ‘exercise’ and tone muscles.
Does an Electronic Muscle Stimulator Work for Back Pain?
Since
the Electronic Muscle Stimulator (EMS) gently stimulates the muscles using small electrical impulses that contract and relax the muscles in varying degrees and by various means (depending on the unit’s capabilities), yes it should. It’s used as a form of “electrotherapy” as well as muscle training, and is used by a lot of sports trainers and athletes. It’s used as a therapy for musculoskeletal injuries, while TENS machines use an electric current for pain therapy. They’re both used and recommended by doctors and other medical practitioners, physical therapists, chiropractors and sports coaches. They can be used to treat acute and chronic pain to:
- Relax muscles reducing spasms and tightness
- Increase blood circulation
- Maintain or increase range of motion
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators – TENS Machines
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS machines) are used for spinal rehabilitation and pain management. They’re portable with a small battery operated unit that can be clipped or worn on the body. Frequency and intensity controls and settings are variable and can be adjusted to the amount of pain.
A number of reviews (meta-analyses) have confirmed its effectiveness for chronic musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis and post-operative pain. They’re also used to alleviate neuropathic pain due to nerve damage.
*NOTE: If you have a pacemaker, it’s indicated that you should not use either TENS EMS, because the electrical current may interfere with the pacemaker. They should be used with caution if you have epilepsy or are pregnant.
Other articles around the web about the electric muscle stimulator:
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