Pain relief machine

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current.

A TENS machine is a small, battery-operated device that has leads connected to sticky pads called electrodes.

Credit:

FAYE NORMAN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/282593/view

You attach the pads directly to your skin. When the machine is switched on, small electrical impulses are delivered to the affected area of your body, which you feel as a tingling sensation.

The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles. They may also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

What TENS is used for

TENS may be able to help reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by a wide range of conditions including:

arthritis
period pain
pelvic pain caused by endometriosis
knee pain
sports injuries

It's also sometimes used as a method of pain relief during labour.

Does TENS work?

There's not enough good-quality scientific evidence to say for sure whether TENS is a reliable method of pain relief. More research is needed and clinical trials are ongoing.

Healthcare professionals have reported that it seems to help some people, although how well it works depends on the individual and the condition being treated.

TENS is not a cure for pain and often only provides short-term relief while the TENS machine is being used.

However, the treatment is generally very safe and you may feel it's worth trying instead of, or in addition to, the usual medical treatments.

Trying TENS

If you're thinking about trying TENS, it's a good idea to speak to a GP about a referral to a physiotherapist or pain clinic.

A physiotherapist or pain specialist may be able to loan you a TENS machine for a short period if they think it could help.

You can choose to buy your own TENS machine without getting medical advice, but it's generally better to have a proper assessment first, so you can find out whether a TENS machine is appropriate for you and be taught how to use it properly.

To get the most benefit from TENS, it's important that the settings are adjusted correctly for you and your individual condition.

If you find TENS effective, you can buy a TENS machine from a pharmacy. They range in price from about £20 to £100. More expensive machines are not necessarily any better than lower-priced ones, so it's best to do some research before you buy.

How to use TENS

This is a general guide on how to use a TENS machine. Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions.

TENS machines are small and lightweight, so you can use them while working or on the move. You can put it in your pocket, clip it to your belt or hold it in your hand.

You can use TENS throughout the day for as long as you like, although it should not be used while you're driving, operating machinery, or in the bath or shower.

Positioning the pads

Make sure the machine is switched off before you attach the pads to your skin. Position the pads either side of the painful area, at least 2.5cm (1 inch) apart.

Never place the pads over:

the front or sides of your neck
your temples
your mouth or eyes
your chest and upper back at the same time
irritated, infected or broken skin
varicose veins
numb areas

Turning it on and adjusting the strength

Turn on the TENS machine when the pads are attached in the correct places. You'll feel a slight tingling sensation pass through your skin.

The machine has a dial that allows you to control the strength of the electrical impulses.

Start on a low setting and gradually increase it until the sensation feels strong but comfortable. If the tingling sensation starts to feel painful or uncomfortable, reduce it slightly.

Switch the TENS machine off after you've finished using it and remove the electrodes from your skin.

Are there any risks of side effects?

For most people, TENS is a safe treatment with no side effects.

Some people may be allergic to the pads and their skin may become red and irritated. Speak to your GP, physiotherapist or pharmacist if you have concerns. You may need to take a short break from using TENS. Special pads are available for people with allergies.

TENS is not safe for everyone to use. Do not use it without first getting medical advice if:

you have a pacemaker or another type of electrical or metal implant in your body
you're pregnant, or there's a chance you might be pregnant – TENS may not be recommended early in pregnancy
you have epilepsy or a heart problem
you have an overactive bladder

Page last reviewed: 13 April 2022
Next review due: 13 April 2025

Electronic pain relief (TENS) | Uses, side-effects

What is a TENS machine?
Side-effects and risks
How TENs machines work and where you can buy them

Get help

What is a TENS machine?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a treatment that administers mild electrical currents to the skin to relieve pain. A small, lightweight, hand-held, battery-operated device produces the electrical currents and lead wires send these currents to self-adhesive electrode pads that attach to your skin.

While using a TENS machine, you'll experience a non-painful tingling or buzzing sensation, and this can help to block or suppress pain messages. Two electrode pads are usually positioned either side of the area of most intense pain. This is done so that the TENS sensation covers the painful area.

Four electrode pads can be used to treat a larger area of pain. You'll be able to control the strength, (or ‘volume’) of the current that's passed through the electrodes, with a rotary knob or dial. Some machines have larger controls that are easier to use if your hand movements are limited.

Adjust the strength of the current until the tingling sensation from TENS is strong, but not painful. You'll also be able to adjust the pattern and speed of the current, so that the TENS sensation is as comfortable as possible. Many TENS machines are digital and have helpful pre-sets to help you choose the best settings for your pain.

Side-effects and risks

TENS has minimal risks or side effects if the following precautions are followed:

Check with your doctor or physiotherapist to make sure that using a TENS machine is a safe option for you.
Don't use a TENS machine if you have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device. You should check with your physiotherapist that TENS is a safe option for your pain if you have epilepsy, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), heart problems, cancer or skin that is numb, irritated or fragile.
TENS can be used if you have these conditions, but you must seek advice from your physiotherapist or doctor first.
Generally, you can use TENS during early pregnancy, providing it isn't used over the abdomen or lower back. Again, you must check with your physiotherapist or doctor that TENS is a safe option for your situation.
Never place the electrodes over the front of your neck, over your eyes, directly on your head or in your mouth.
Don't use TENS when driving, using machinery, sleeping, or in the bath/shower.
Your skin may become slightly red and itchy when you remove the electrodes, but this should disappear quickly. It's important to monitor your skin regularly after using TENS, to ensure it remains healthy.
If redness, itchiness and soreness persist, then contact your physiotherapist, GP or pharmacist for advice. Some people develop a more serious skin reaction to TENS and may need to temporarily stop using it to let the skin recover.
If you intend to use TENS when flying, inform the airline first.

How TENs machines work and where you can buy them

TENS machines can be bought without a prescription at pharmacies and on the internet. Ask your doctor to refer you to a physiotherapist, so you can try it out first. Your physiotherapist can show you how to use the machine properly and will get you to try TENS for a few hours a day until you get used to it. You may be able to borrow one for a specified period of time.

After this, you'll be encouraged to use TENS regularly throughout the day, whenever you need pain relief. This is because the effects can be short-lived, although can last for hours after use.

TENS is safe, so you can use it as much as you like, although it's good practice to take regular 10-minute breaks every hour or so. Some people use TENS for more than five hours a day.

It may be worth buying a TENS machine for home use. Before purchasing one, make sure the company will give you a refund within a certain time period if you find the it doesn't help you (as long as the machine is in the same condition you bought it).

TENS machines don't vary too much in quality, so it shouldn’t matter too much if you buy a relatively simple, inexpensive device. TENS equipment is normally exempt from VAT, as long as you sign the exemption declaration form before purchasing it (usually provided by the supplier).

Before you buy a machine, ask to be shown how to use it and where to put the electrodes.

Companies selling TENS machines are listed below. Please note: inclusion on this list does not imply a recommendation by Versus Arthritis and neither is the list comprehensive. It's provided for ease of reference only.

Body Clock Health Care
108 George Lane,
South Woodford
London E18 1AD
Tel: 020 8532 9595
Freephone: 0500 220 0061
Website: www.bodyclock.co.uk

Performance Health UK
Nunn Brook Road
Huthwaite
Sutton-in-Ashfield
Notts NG17 2HU
Tel: 03448 730 035
Website: www.performancehealth.co.uk

Nidd Valley Medical
38 Woolmer Way
Bordon
Hants GU36 9QF
Tel: 01420 487501
Website: www.niddvalley.co.uk

Boots
Boots Customer Care
PO Box 5300
Nottingham NG90 1AA
Tel: 0845 070 8090 (in-store enquiries) or 0845 609 0055 (online enquiries)
Website: www. boots.com

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Back pain - causes of pain

Symptoms of back pain

Back pain varies from mild to so severe that a person can hardly move.

Pain in the back is drawing and shooting; it can radiate into the leg and lead to reduced flexibility and range of motion.

The person may feel a tingling or burning sensation, dull or sharp pain.

Back pain may feel like weakness or pain in other parts of the body such as the leg, hip or foot. nine0016

How does back pain affect us?

Back pain makes it harder for us to perform activities such as walking up stairs, lifting heavy objects (or objects we could previously easily lift). Your back may feel tingly or numb. All this affects our daily life, worsening its quality.

Ease the pain

DID YOU KNOW?

78% of people reported that pain negatively affects their work.*

82% of people have experienced lower back pain.**

Get rid of pain

*Global Pain Index 2014: GSK-supported study, full report, p. 20
**Global Pain Index 2014: GSK-supported study, full report, p. 11

Why does my back hurt?

Back pain occurs for various reasons: injuries, joint problems, muscle strains. The causes of pain helps to understand its location.

Why does my lower back hurt? nine0016

The most common causes of low back pain are:

Muscle spasms, sprains and tears in muscles and ligaments that occur if you: forgetting to keep correct posture

The most common causes of upper back pain:

Muscle strain due to muscle weakness, domestic and sports injuries

Why does your back hurt while working

Back pain occurs when you do not follow the correct technique of movements, if you:

Lift, carry or move heavy objects during work
Sit or drive for a long time without taking breaks
Standing for a long time or working sideways

Daily activities causing back pain

You may experience back pain while doing your daily activities if you:

Bend over unsuccessfully
Lifting, carrying, or moving objects without proper technique
Do not maintain correct posture while sitting in a chair
Working sideways or standing for a long time
Unsuccessfully turned
Reaching for an object too abruptly

Prevention

Find out how you can prevent back pain by watching this short video.

Treatment

If your back hurts a lot or doesn't go away for a long time, you should see a doctor. The doctor will examine you and ask questions about when the pain started and where you feel it, whether the pain has gone away or if your back hurts more, and if the pain has happened before. To understand the causes of pain, the doctor may refer you for an additional examination. To relieve pain, the doctor may prescribe an anesthetic for you and advise you to keep your back warm or vice versa, apply ice to the sore spot. In addition, your doctor may recommend that you do exercise therapy. nine0016

*Global Pain Index 2014: GSK-supported study