Tens Machine

Jenny2

Hi everyone!
As a very new member, I don't know if this has been discussed previously, but has anyone found relief from pain by using a Tens Machine?
I have gradually come off all my painkillers because I was so scared of their side effects, but some days the pain is really bad. Occasionally I take a couple of Naproxen, but would rather not.
If a Tens Machine would help, I would buy one.

kellerman

Hello and welcome.
Tens machines can help but not for everyone.
Is there anywhere you can try one out to see if it will help you...and also how to use one properly.
Maybe a physio,I'm not sure if a chemist would let you try before you buy.
I was a nurse and have set quite a few of these up but never used one.
It might be a good idea to ring the helpline here....no at the top of the page...they might be able to advise you....they are a really helpful lot.
Good luck whatever you decide. May

valval

there has been some mention but can not remember what was said some people found them good but they are not suitable for every one i think check with doc if they think it suitable for you good luck val

hileena111

Hi
A TENS machine isnt for everyone.....like drugs some help some people and others dont.
Our hospital....the physio dept....has a nurse/physio that specialises in this.......she will show you how to use one, and our hospital will loan you one to let you see if it is any good foor you befor you buy one....Worth asking I think.
I cant use one {Thats something else she tells you} I have epilepsy....its well controlled but its not adviced to use a TENS machine...there are other reasons......cant remember them. Just know why I cant use one.
Love
Hileena

tjt6768

I have used one in the past but for me it was more hassle than it was worth. I couldn't place it on my lower spine myself so OH had to do that for me.. And after quite a while getting it placed in the right spot my spine would decide it needed moving :roll:
You've had some good advice about asking your physio or gp if it's possible to try one and get advice on using one too.
Good luck anyway.

CJHunter

Hi, I have one, it was suggested by my phisio. The phisio's I saw had one they used and showed me how to use it and set it up. I had one on loan for a while then my oh bought one for a pressie. Who says romance is dead

As said they can work for some, i get slight relief at times but nothing outstanding, when i first used one it felt it worked better, it may be because im used to it i suppose.
Talk to phisio if you can.
All the best.xx

dreamdaisy

I was attached to one of these things on a regular basis during my post-op physiotherapy and found it utterly pointless in terms of pain relief but they do work for others. I think the 'pinching' effect of it is meant to distract the mind from the deeper pain (and it did although it was not a pleasant sensation for me) but as soon as it was removed there was the old familiar pain, still twanging away. After fifteen years of constant pain I am now used to it, I've learned to live with it and I now keep the number of pain tablets to the minimum (not for side-effect reasons, more for 'Where will I turn when it gets worse?' reasons) and they at least have the very useful feature of being portable and discreetly used when out and about!

I have not found anti-inflammatories much use for pain relief either, and that is when they are used constantly: they are not meds that you can dip in and out of at will, they don't work like that. I think you need to talk this over with your GP (perhaps a different anti-inflam would offer greater benefit) and if you can get hold of one machine to try then do so. I wish you well. DD

GraceB

Hi,
I too have tried a TENS machine. Initially I had one on loan from pain management clinic and then I bought my own. As the others have said, try and borrow one first (you'll probably have to sign it out). Initially it worked for me but after months of use the effects died down. I've still got it but would struggle now to decide which joint to put the pads onto.

I bought mine from a chain of chemists starting with "L" - it was less than 20 quid so it wasn't too expensive. The replacement pads aren't cheap though so you have to factor that into your finances.

I'm exactly like DD re paindullers. I keep to the minimum whenever possible to allow me "space" to move up on worst days.

I wish you luck with this, please let us know how you get on.

Take care,
Grace.

dachshund

Hi Jenny.
i had a tens machine it didnot help me i gave it to a friend
it made my pain worse.
good luck have you tried a heat pad.
joan xx

frogmorton

Hiya

l had one and it really helped with the OA type pain in my back/neck (with care), but l never ever had the nerve to try it on the inflammatory pain :oops:

With my back and the bursitis pain it was pretty effective, for a good while...but eventually l had the gauge up so high

I reckon it would work again now though after a rest from using it.

Yep l agree with the others...borrowing in the first instance is the answer.

LOve

Toni xxx