Benefit of tens machine

Benefits, side effects, and research

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit is a battery-operated device that some people use to treat pain.

TENS units work by delivering small electrical impulses through electrodes that have adhesive pads to attach them to a person’s skin.

These electrical impulses flood the nervous system, reducing its ability to transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain.

The same electrical impulses also stimulate the body to produce natural pain relievers called endorphins.

In this article, learn more about the uses of a TENS machine and the research on its effectiveness.

TENS units may help treat the following symptoms:

period pain
labor pain
postoperative pain
joint pain
neck and back pain

They may also alleviate pain that results from the following conditions:

endometriosis
arthritis
sports injuries
multiple sclerosis
fibromyalgia
painful diabetic neuropathy
spinal cord injury

A TENS unit has controls that allow people to administer an appropriate level of pain relief. People can achieve this by altering the following aspects of the electrical current:

Intensity: A dial allows the user to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation.

Frequency: The frequency refers to the number of electrical pulses per second. High-frequency (HF) pulses range from 80 to 120 cycles per second and may help manage acute pain. Low-frequency (LF) pulses range from 1 to 20 cycles per second and are suitable for the treatment of chronic pain.

Duration: The duration is the number of microseconds that the current enters the skin for during each pulse.

TENS is a noninvasive method for relieving pain. People who experience pain relief from TENS may be able to reduce their intake of pain medications, some of which can be addictive or cause adverse side effects.

TENS units are also convenient because they are small, portable, and relatively discrete. People can carry a TENS unit in their pocket or clip it onto a belt to ensure that they have immediate access to pain relief throughout the day.

Share on PinterestIf the adhesive pads cause redness or irritation, hypoallergenic pads are available.

It is safe for most people to use a TENS unit, and they will not usually experience any side effects.

However, the electrical impulses that a TENS unit produces may cause a buzzing, tingling, or prickling sensation, which some people may find uncomfortable.

Some people may be allergic to the adhesive pads. Anyone who experiences skin redness and irritation can switch to using hypoallergenic ones instead.

It is vital never to place the electrodes on either the front of the neck or the eyes. Putting electrodes on the neck can lower blood pressure and cause spasms. On the eyes, the electrodes can increase pressure within the eye and possibly cause an injury.

Although it is safe for most people, experts recommend that some groups of people avoid TENS treatment unless a doctor advises its use.

This recommendation applies to the following people:

Pregnant women: Pregnant women should avoid using TENS in the abdominal and pelvic regions.
People with epilepsy: Applying electrodes to the head or neck of people with epilepsy may induce seizures.
People with heart problems.
People with a pacemaker or another type of electrical or metal implant.

Due to a lack of high-quality research and clinical trials, researchers have not yet determined whether TENS is a reliable treatment for pain relief.

One study found that TENS treatment provided temporary pain relief for people with fibromyalgia while the machine was in use.

While there is a lack of strong clinical evidence for its effectiveness, TENS is a low-risk pain relief option for many people.

Several factors may influence the effectiveness of TENS:

Tolerance

Research shows that people who use a TENS unit on a daily basis at the same frequency and intensity can develop a tolerance to the treatment.

A person who develops tolerance will no longer feel the same level of pain relief that they did when they first used the unit.

To prevent this from occurring, people can alternate between LF and HF TENS within each treatment session.

Alternatively, they can gradually increase the intensity or duration of TENS on a daily basis.

Stimulation intensity

The range of intensities of the electrical stimulation may account for some of the differences in research findings.

According to a 2014 review, HF TENS treats pain more effectively than LF TENS. In fact, many studies have found LF TENS to be ineffective.

Given that HF TENS is a more effective pain reliever, experts recommend that people apply the highest-intensity TENS that they can tolerate.

Electrode placement

TENS may be more effective if people place the electrodes on acupuncture points.

Acupuncture is a practice that uses needles to stimulate the nerves beneath the skin at specific locations known as acupuncture points. Experts believe that this assists the body in producing endorphins.

One review found some evidence that people who receive TENS through acupuncture points may experience a reduction in pain.

Share on PinterestA person who repeatedly uses a TENS unit may build up a tolerance.

The duration of pain relief after using a TENS unit can vary. Some people report that their pain returns as soon as they switch off the device. Others continue to experience an adequate level of pain relief for up to 24 hours.

A 2012 review suggests that the duration of pain relief increases after repeated TENS treatments. However, this repetition can also increase the likelihood of a person building up a tolerance to the treatment.

The research on using a TENS unit for pain relief has so far yielded inconsistent results due to a lack of high-quality scientific studies and clinical trials.

Some research suggests that TENS treatment can relieve pain, but this may be dependent on certain factors, such as the affected area of the body and the treatment intensity. Knowing how these factors affect TENS can help people use it more effectively.

Most people can use a TENS unit safely, and few will experience side effects. However, it is best to speak to a doctor before trying TENS either as an alternative treatment or in combination with other methods of pain management.

TENS units are available to purchase at some pharmacies and online.

Benefits, side effects, and research

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit is a battery-operated device that some people use to treat pain.

TENS units work by delivering small electrical impulses through electrodes that have adhesive pads to attach them to a person’s skin.

These electrical impulses flood the nervous system, reducing its ability to transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain.

The same electrical impulses also stimulate the body to produce natural pain relievers called endorphins.

In this article, learn more about the uses of a TENS machine and the research on its effectiveness.

TENS units may help treat the following symptoms:

period pain
labor pain
postoperative pain
joint pain
neck and back pain

They may also alleviate pain that results from the following conditions:

endometriosis
arthritis
sports injuries
multiple sclerosis
fibromyalgia
painful diabetic neuropathy
spinal cord injury

A TENS unit has controls that allow people to administer an appropriate level of pain relief. People can achieve this by altering the following aspects of the electrical current:

Intensity: A dial allows the user to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation.

Duration: The duration is the number of microseconds that the current enters the skin for during each pulse.

Share on PinterestIf the adhesive pads cause redness or irritation, hypoallergenic pads are available.

It is safe for most people to use a TENS unit, and they will not usually experience any side effects.

However, the electrical impulses that a TENS unit produces may cause a buzzing, tingling, or prickling sensation, which some people may find uncomfortable.

Some people may be allergic to the adhesive pads. Anyone who experiences skin redness and irritation can switch to using hypoallergenic ones instead.

Although it is safe for most people, experts recommend that some groups of people avoid TENS treatment unless a doctor advises its use.

This recommendation applies to the following people:

Pregnant women: Pregnant women should avoid using TENS in the abdominal and pelvic regions.
People with epilepsy: Applying electrodes to the head or neck of people with epilepsy may induce seizures.
People with heart problems.
People with a pacemaker or another type of electrical or metal implant.

Due to a lack of high-quality research and clinical trials, researchers have not yet determined whether TENS is a reliable treatment for pain relief.

One study found that TENS treatment provided temporary pain relief for people with fibromyalgia while the machine was in use.

While there is a lack of strong clinical evidence for its effectiveness, TENS is a low-risk pain relief option for many people.

Several factors may influence the effectiveness of TENS:

Tolerance

Research shows that people who use a TENS unit on a daily basis at the same frequency and intensity can develop a tolerance to the treatment.

A person who develops tolerance will no longer feel the same level of pain relief that they did when they first used the unit.

To prevent this from occurring, people can alternate between LF and HF TENS within each treatment session.

Alternatively, they can gradually increase the intensity or duration of TENS on a daily basis.

Stimulation intensity

The range of intensities of the electrical stimulation may account for some of the differences in research findings.

According to a 2014 review, HF TENS treats pain more effectively than LF TENS. In fact, many studies have found LF TENS to be ineffective.

Given that HF TENS is a more effective pain reliever, experts recommend that people apply the highest-intensity TENS that they can tolerate.

Electrode placement

TENS may be more effective if people place the electrodes on acupuncture points.

One review found some evidence that people who receive TENS through acupuncture points may experience a reduction in pain.

Share on PinterestA person who repeatedly uses a TENS unit may build up a tolerance.

The research on using a TENS unit for pain relief has so far yielded inconsistent results due to a lack of high-quality scientific studies and clinical trials.

TENS units are available to purchase at some pharmacies and online.

Most popular cars in the secondary market 2022. Rating of cars in the secondary market 2022 - top 10 used cars Few can afford to buy new cars from dealerships - prices are skyrocketing, dozens of brands have suspended shipments, the outlook is dim.

Resale is also responding to difficult times, but the used car market is relatively stable. Not only in the economic sense, but also in the philistine sense - now it is easier and more reliable to choose a used car. They are time-tested, we all know about them, there is no shortage of them. Consider the top 10 used cars in the Russian secondary market in 2022.

Methodology for selecting the top 10 used cars in 2022

We will not literally focus on the most popular cars in the secondary market in 2022. According to the reports of analytical agencies, the most popular used cars are those that were bestsellers 10 or even 15 years ago. And they were not always bought for the sake of outstanding qualities - more often because of the affordable price and lack of competition. Therefore, we immediately dismiss the obvious Lada 2114 Samara and Lada 2170 Priora, which were outdated even before they left the assembly line. The classic "sevens", passing from hand to hand for decades, are not discussed for the same reason.

Our rating of used cars in 2022 will include those that Russians buy more often than others among used cars and that are highly appreciated by Matador.Tech experts.

Most popular aftermarket cars 2022: list

Hyundai Solaris
Kia Rio
Ford Focus
Lada Niva
Toyota Corolla
Renault Logan
Skoda Octavia
Toyota Camry
Nissan Qashqai
Peugeot 301

Hyundai Solaris - a favorite among taxi drivers and carshares

Solaris is the favorite car of Russians on the secondary market in 2022 and the absolute leader among foreign cars. Including because this model is actively purchased by taxi companies. And if you met a car from under a taxi driver or, God forbid, from a car-sharing fleet, keep in mind that the operation was hardly sparing.

Solaris of the first generation before restyling

If Solaris was owned by a caring individual, then it is worth considering buying.
Remember that the Solaris of the first generation has a “weak” paintwork, and the roof has no corrosion protection.
The first examples in 2011 had problems with the rear suspension. Because of this, the stern was prone to skidding, which made the shock absorbers work for slaughter. Pretty soon, the engineers fixed this "bug", but it is necessary to clarify exactly when the car was released.
The owners are usually satisfied with the salon even after years of operation.

Second generation machine

How to choose Solaris for resale - instruction from Matador.Tech expert.

Kia Rio - the twin of Solaris

"Rio" - an exact copy of Solaris under a different body. Since its introduction in 2011 and until now, both Korean models have been side by side in the list of both the best-selling new cars and the most popular used cars, and at the top of the list.

Kia Rio 2011

Claims to Rio are the same as to Solaris:

non-resistant coating
corrosion on the roof
and possible work in a taxi or carsharing.

But Kia has much less chances to run into an unsuccessful rear suspension.

Ford Focus - the first mass foreign car

"Focus" was the first new foreign car that broke into Russian families in such a massive way. This model flourished on the Russian market in the 2010s, before losing the palm to the “Koreans”. The alignment was exactly repeated in the secondary market: a couple of years ago, the budget Ford was in the lead in the used car rating in 2022 and only now has moved to second or third place.

Thousands of cars are still circulating in the regions, and it is not easy to find a copy with one or at least two owners in PTS.
But since the car is durable and strong, this is not a reason to refuse a purchase.
Unless you should be picky about the 1.6-liter versions - again because of the love of taxi drivers for them.
And many scolded the Powershift box.
Carsharing bypassed "Focuses" side.

Read a detailed life hack for buying a used Ford Focus (third generation) in our first-hand material.

Lada 4x4 is one of the best cars in history

The Niva compact SUV is the most famous AvtoVAZ model in the world. Known and in demand - thanks to its cheapness, practicality and uniqueness. A couple of years ago, the reputable British company Goodwood Road & Racing included the Lada Niva in the Eight brilliant cars from rubbish car brands rating, that is, "8 amazing cars from the worst car brands."

2005 Lada Niva

2022 Lada Niva

To list in detail the advantages and disadvantages, even a dozen scrolls are not enough. Yes, and everyone knows such stories first hand.

Toyota Corolla - a synonym for reliability

"Corolla" - the most bought car in the world, and even got close "Focus" did not shake this position. Corolla is one of the most liquid models in the Russian Federation and is in the top 10 used cars in 2022, like many previous years.

2014 variant

In Russia, this is more than a car, it is rather a cult of love for the “Japanese”. And among the objective reasons:

simplicity,
unpretentiousness,
reliability,
variety of body types, modifications and equipment in different years.

One of the main predictors of success is a neutral, if not faded, appearance that has remained relevant for decades.

Renaul Logan - people's car

Apart from facelifts, Logan has gone through only two generations since 2004. And they are very different from each other. The first cars seem to have been cut down with an ax - both outside and inside. The second generation, released in 2012, is sleeker and richer, but conceptually the model has merged with competitors and missed a part of the conservative age audience, while at the same time winning over younger consumers.

First Renault Logan

Both generations can be recommended in the top 10 used cars in Russia. There are a lot of cars on the secondary market, since Logan, although it did not occupy the first lines, was always sold with a bang. The Matador.Tech expert analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of Logan II in detail in this review.

Second generation

Brief excerpts from educational program:

incredible durability of first generation machines
weak paintwork for cars of the second generation - reliable motors
problematic 4-speed "automatic"

Skoda Octavia - middle class

This is no longer a workhorse or a fashionable budget foreign car, but a middle-class car. The used Octavia retains this status even after years of operation. The main Skoda is for many a reference model by which other options are evaluated. Definitely one of the leaders in the used car ranking 2022.

The most popular in Russia was the second generation with a factory index 1Z, better known as A5. The car was produced from 2004 to 2013, survived in 2009-m restyling.

magnificent "Vagov" turbo engines have weaknesses - timing and chronic oil burner, which were overcome with relative success only after 2011
dull but reliable aspirated - the scandalous DSG, which became problem-free after 2012
corrosion resistant body

How to choose a Skoda Octavia on the secondary - described in detail here.

Toyota Camry - solid barge

Toyota dealership in the US state of Arizona came up with a visual advertisement - with a broken "Camry". This is a real car that was squeezed between two trucks in an accident. The passenger cell remained virtually unscathed. Here's the first plus - the car is strong.

2011 Toyota Camry

Other benefits that make the Camry a worthy place in the 2022 used car rankings, in addition to its cult following:

solid both in image and size
the simpler the electronics, the less often they break down

Disadvantages:

the simpler the electronics, the more the Japanese business class lags behind the German and Korean in terms of comfort and manufacturability
gaudy interior

American lazy habits remain a neutral characteristic - as you like.

"Camry", especially in the old days, is a frequenter of officials' car parks, so in the case of this model, the label of a legal entity in the TCP is not such a minus.

Nissan Qashqai - the first among crossovers

A pioneer among crossovers in the world market, the leader among SUVs in the ranking of second-hand cars in 2022 - Qashqai can be a good choice. Hundreds of first and second generation Qashqais can be found on used car ad aggregators.

second generation Nissan Qashqai

Tester Matador.Tech analyzed in detail the disadvantages and advantages of the second generation Qashqai, at the same time evaluating its liquidity and comparing it with the first generation.

Briefly about used Qashqai:

In the first cars, the variator was reproached for the lack of information on the gas pedal.
First year cars are noisier.
Qashqais of the second generation are less stiff in suspension, but do not suffer from buildup.

Peugeot 301 - an underestimated ideal

In our rating of used cars "Peugeot 301" gets in spite of prevalence, but thanks to undeniable advantages. The sedan is beautiful and French-style elegant, it remains so today, although the design of cars has advanced over the years. It is even surprising that the compatriots did not appreciate the model, preferring the rude Logan or the then raw Koreans.

Features:

attractive appearance
modification with a diesel engine with impressive efficiency
cozy interior

Minuses:

claims of owners for maintainability
few offers on the secondary market

Rating of the most reliable German cars in 2020

In Russia, this opinion has been formed for decades and it was supported by the experience of professional drivers. The emergence of a variety of new products allows you to ask a logical question about which German cars can be called the most reliable. To answer it, it is worth analyzing the best developments of engineers.

Criteria for the development of the rating

To accurately determine the best German cars, you need to make several requirements for them. Reliability remains a key factor, and if the car does not live up to it, its other advantages become irrelevant. There are often discrepancies with the correct assessment of cars. They are related to the fact that companies from different countries involved in such analyzes resort to individual methods of ranking the analyzed models.

There are several companies whose research is credible:

DECRA;
TUV;
ADAC.

TUV is regarded as the chief analyst for the German car market. This organization carefully monitors used cars and regularly compiles the TOPs of the best and worst cars.

Despite the fact that analysts have their own assessment methods, their ratings are very similar. So, for example, some models can be equally good in a number of parameters, occupying high positions in the lists of the listed organizations. Therefore, the criteria and methods used in the studies fade into the background.

This factor made it possible to create the final ranking of German passenger cars distinguished by their quality and reliability.

Audi A1 Hatchback

The A1 model is compact, which is typical of European B-class cars. At the same time, the car is practical: it has good handling, high-quality interior trim and is equipped with reliable power units. Also, the advantages include a simple design of power units and unpretentiousness in maintenance. When designing the new Audi A1, special attention was paid to its reliability. Obviously, the German engineers managed to achieve their goal.

Audi A6 business class sedan

The ranking of the best German-made passenger cars continues with another model from Audi. It has become the epitome of comfort, durability and safety - the parameters for which German cars are famous all over the world.

Audi A6 was in the TOP of the best German cars for a reason. Its presence in the ranking is due to a soft and durable suspension, as well as a productive engine. This is an unpretentious car that will serve its owner for decades if he services the car in a timely manner. Also, the durability of the car is affected by the use of high-quality consumables.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Another high-quality car of the German car industry, which made it to the top of the list. This car has become a traditional leader in many TOPs, focusing on the combination of vehicle dynamics and reliability.

The modern sedan is characterized by compact dimensions, as well as a wide range of engines, from the standard 1.6 to the pattern-breaking and expectation V8. The weakest version has a power of 150 horsepower, but models with a TOP configuration boast 510 horsepower. Considering that the Mercedes C-Class is a mass-market sedan, this kind of power surprises the owners.

SUV Mercedes-Benz GLE

Another bright representative of the Mercedes-Benz company, which is assigned the status of the most attractive and sought-after SUV in the line of the German automaker. Despite its size, this is a full-fledged SUV, the only drawback of which are silent blocks that lose their properties after 60 thousand kilometers.

To keep the vehicle running smoothly, the parts described must be replaced regularly. However, that's not all, because the Mercedes GLE is picky about timely oil changes in the gearbox. Nevertheless, even taking into account such nuances, the car is extremely resourceful and is considered the standard of reliability. The legendary car has been replaced by a new generation of the Mercedes GLE, which is even more premium and of high quality.

Porsche 911

A true favorite of TUV, an organization that recognized this model as one of the most trouble-free and reliable passenger cars. As statistics show, owners of the world-famous Porsche 911 turn to service centers less often than other motorists.

The eighth generation of the car was introduced in 2018. It is noteworthy that over its long history, the model has remained virtually unchanged. The German company remains true to its traditions, improving them with each new generation. Timeless yet modern 911 retains all the unmistakable and legendary Porsche design features. The 911 is considered one of the best sports cars in the world. In addition, it is one of the most reliable machines in its category.

BMW X1

Rounding out the rankings is the BMW X1, a compact crossover that shares many similarities with the older X3 and also the 3 Series. This machine can be rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which distinguishes it from analogues. At the same time, it does not find front-wheel drive, characteristic of a compact SUV.

Under the hood of the BMW X1, depending on its configuration, you can find a petrol or diesel engine. Most motorists prefer gasoline-powered power plants, as they are less demanding on fuel quality. It is also important that most gasoline versions are equipped with proven ZF 6HP19 automatic transmissions, and diesel engines have only recently begun to install the ZF 8HP45Z, which is devoid of the design flaws of the previous version of the 5L40 gearbox.