All about TENS Machines

[Sue New]

Hi Everyone ,

I was recently given a TENS machine to use by my local Pain Management Clinic. I tried using it tonight and found that I got sensation from the stimulation on the left side of my body but nothing, or very little sensation on the right side. I tried moving the pads around to see if it was just certain problem areas, but most places on the right hip and knee were completely numb. I have had problems with numbness/tingling down my right side but mainly in my arms and hands. If I sit for too long I get numbness arond my hip and thigh which travels down my leg, but if I touch the areas where I tried to use the TENS, I can feel some sensation.

There has been talk of me possibly having spinal cord compression before, and the Pain Management Sister who issued the TENS machine told me some of the signs to look out for. I used the machine on my middle back area the night before and I could feel on both sides then so it took me by surprise today when I couldn't feel anything. The other weird thing was, although I couldn't feel anything, whenever I turned the intensity button up, my foot jerked out involuntarily to the side.

Do you think I should contact the Pain Clinic and let them know?

Thanks for listening, and any of your thoughts would be appreciated.

Sue .

P.S. It also made my right foot go tingly even though the pad was on the hip area .

[Guest]

Hi Sue

I would contact them, this doesn't, sound right.It may be simply that the pads are not located in the right place, but all the same I would get it checked.

I don't know anything about Tens machines. I am waiting for an appt to see Pain management myself and hoping this would be a solution to some of my pain. and try one before I buy one. I have read they don't work for everyone, but this sounds as if it's doing something that it shouldn't.

Take care

Chris

[Sez]

Sue, if you've got any concerns, you should get straight in touch with the clinic. Even if it turns out to be nothing to worry about, it's always worth getting it checked.

[justme]

it may be the pads are faulty or not connected properly. Contact them and find out.

[Sue New]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your responses. I know both pads are working as I have used them in other areas and felt the proper sensations, it just seems to be when I use it anywhere on my right leg. I know that after my hysterectomy last year I had some terrible pains and problems with my right leg and my GP thought I may have had some nerve damage. It was never investigated though . I think I will call the clinic a bit later just to run it past them

Cheers

Sue.

[libby]

i use a TENS machine too and a similar thing happens to me - my right hip (which is by far the weakest joint in my body) is where i have the most numbness too, and sometimes the area where i have the pain isn't the area where i can place the pads because i won't feel a thing and i guess it won't help at all if my nerves aren't registering a thing.

from the little that i know of my own situation what happened is that i've got nerve damage as the result of subluxing and dislocating my hip too many times. (the same goes for my arm, because my shoulder subluxes all the time.) and numbness is part of it.

[flyingfairy]

I have to say i used a TENS for a while but i didn't get much relief from it. But everybody is different.

[Guest]

Sue -

I definately agree with the others that you should discuss your concerns with the Pain Clinic, as they certainly do not sound normal. I am glad to have read your post as I am starting my first session of TENS at the Pain Clinic tomorrow morning.

In reference to what you said about your foot jerking when you turn the current up and apply to your back I have to tell you PLEASE DON'T DO THAT!!!!! Your foot is jerking because you are applying electrical current that is reaching the level of the spinal cord that contains the motor neurons that control your foot movement....and of course, electrical current that is too high can hurt you, and we don't want to damage your poor little motor neurons do we!! So please don't do any experimenting with the current on you back as it could do much more harm than good.

I hope that the Pain Clinic is able to provide you with some help.

Cheers, Annie

[Guest]

Hello ladies (and a few gentlemen too!)

Hope everyone is having a nice week. I just wanted to put up a post about using TENS for regular therapy/pain managment.

After finally getting into the pain clinic after a 6 month waiting period, I saw a group of Dr's who really know their stuff. I also met with a physio who suggested that I would be a perfect candidate for TENS on my back. He set me up with a really sweet portable unit with 2 leeds that I can attach to my back (anywhere but over my kidneys because I am too small) and go about my regular day at work or whatnot and use when I need. Let me just say that this has been an incredible experience. I used to rely on a heating pad, which was not very practical for work...now I can do everything I need to do (desk, moving, etc) and be doing TENS at the same time...and after about 30-40 min, I can turn it off and the pain is mostly gone for a couple hours in the treated area!! It is great to finally get some relief from my back pain.

I must say after reading the post on chiropractic though I might give that a go as well. Who knows, maybe I am on a roll!!

Anyway, I just wanted to share the good news and put the info about TENS out there as a treatment option. In the UK, TENS units are available online without a prescription. If you are in the US like me, you will have to get a prescription from your Dr in order to get one, but this also means that it is coverd by your insurance, which is always a plus.

cheers, annie!!

[grey owl]

Dear Psychgirl,

I couldn't agree more I love mine! I'm glad it is working so well for you.

All the very Best
Grey Owl

[lis]

Hi I had this when I first used a TENS machine and the cables were faulty, they just swapped them at the clinic and it has been fine ever since.

Best Wishes

Lis

[Guest]

The tens unit is awesome for relieving muscle pain. Since the muscles are overworked and trying to make up for what the weak ligaments are unable to do properly.

[LianneS]

Sounds just what I need...any websites anyone can recommend?

Lianne

[kayadlington]

Hi Lianne

Boots online have tens units at a reduced price at the moment, and they look good. I ordered one a couple of days ago, so I'll let you know how it works when it arrives if you like? The only other site I can remember seeing them on is the benifits now site shop.

Painfree

Kay

[LianneS]

Cool, I'll have a look....

Thanks
Lianne