How does a TENS unit help fibromyalgia?
Someone told me to get a TENS unit. Do they really work? Why does the cost of these vary so much?
Answers from our Doctors
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a therapeutic modality that produces electrical stimulations to the skin and underlying tissues with the intent of causing pain relief. It consists of a generator machine with a number of ‘electrodes’ that you attach to the skin over a painful area. The theory behind it is that electrical stimulations interfere with peripheral nerve and muscle function leading to relief.
TENS is thought to be most effective over local areas. It has been most studied in local musculoskeletal pain problems, such as chronic back pain. The studies with TENS in local pain problems are not consistent, with some studies showing benefit and other not. Fibromyalgia is typically thought as a disorder of generalized pain throughout the body, making TENS an unattractive option for many fibromyalgia patients. It is not practical to perform ‘whole body’ stimulation with TENS. The most recent study of TENS in fibromyalgia observed a decrease of pain (on a scale of 0-100) of 77.5 to 62.5 (Lofgren 2009). The effects seem to be modest when it does work and it is clearly not effective for all people that try it.
Clinically, TENS has been widely used for patients with chronic pain and is very safe. It is non-invasive and can be performed at home. It is best used to treat specific pain areas. It should be avoided by people with pacemakers, epilepsy, chronic numbness, and should not be used near eye or over a certain part of the neck (carotid sinus). People who seem to successfully use the therapy typically undergo training with the machine by a trained therapist and regular follow-up with such therapists. Machines are of highly variable quality and complexity, which is often reflected in cost. It would be best to contact a physiatrist or rehabilitation specialist to discuss TENS and help with choosing the right TENS machine.
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My doctor ordered RS-TENS Plus with 4 electrodes for my fibromyalgia pain which seems worse in my upper back and neck and upper arms. Complicating factor is a broken wrist which has not healed and I am looking at surgery next month. How on earth can a single person attach (and remove) the electrodes from mid-back without assistance? I have tried double-stick tape to the wall and back into it but the electrodes seem to go to the wrong area. I was not given any instructions other than "my 5 year old can explain how to use it - it's so simple" followed by "good bye". How do you know where to put the electrodes and do they line up horizontally, in an X or what? The instruction booklet only describes the different "programs" and how to change batteries. Not helpful yet.
I have been selling Tens units for more than a year and a half and can tell you that the best option for your situation and future reference is to not place directly on the location of pain but instead place around the area and slowly work towards the site of pain. Also start slowly on intensity and work your way up on that as well. Starting off to high can cause more problems than before. Hopefully this answers the question and and helps anyone else who may have this issue as well.
Tens specialist,
Adam Shannon
I recently acquired an Empi tens unit and have found it definitely helps with the Osteoarthritis in my back, and the nerve pain in my arm, however it seems to have exasperated the Fibro pain causing muscles into prolonged spasm. It focuses my brain on the sensation the tens unit emits vs. the pain. Prayers and best wishes to All!
I have a TENS Unit and after helping initially, it felt like I was getting shocked. Maybe I did something wrong. I will give it another try. Thank you for this column.
AchyBodyInMN
To guest who posted "Agreed on the tens unit" - thanks so much for the comment. Although my fibro is not as intense as yours, I can really relate to not wanting to take the wagon load of pills the doctor wants to prescribe. I just want to feel better, not go through a million trial and error. flexeril and baclofen do not help me either. I am trying good ole over the counter Tylenol, chiropractic, regular GENTLE exercise (although it is hard to get moving when you hurt!) and am seeing a dietician about positive eating changes.
I am going to be talking to a physiotherapist who is selling these machines; see what she has to say. This has been a helpful forum/website. Thank you!
Having a lot of acney from the machine it works well just don't know about the acney.if I'm alergic or if its just because the skin can't breathe. Any options or suggestions?
Hi, I went to the mall with my friend and there was a kiosk selling Tenz units. She wanted to try it. I told the sales lady I had Fibro and she said it would help me. She put the patches on the back of my neck and on my wrist where she said I probably have carpel tunnel. She started to ask if we would be interested in buying and my friend popped up that I wouldn't because I didn't bring my purse. The sales lady then turned her attention to my friend for 20 to 30 minutes. She finally took them off of me and I immediately started having more pain in my shoulder. By that night it felt like a knife was sticking in the back of my neck. The pain was excruciating. It went from my neck up over the right side of my head into my right eye and my throat and ear. It has been 4 days and I have never had such a bad flare of my Fibromyalgia. I tried to brush my hair and the right side of my head felt like a million needles were on fire when the brush touched my scalp. Only on the right half of my head? Did the sales person do it wrong or am I just ultra sensitive? Will this pain go away? I am miserable. thank you for any help.
Ten weeks ago, i had Tens pads applied to my upper shoulder in an effort to help neck pain and fibromyalgia shoulder pain. The nerves in my neck are damaged and burn badly all the time. The Tens therapy increased my pain level a great deal and here I am ten weeks later and it still has not resumed the previous level. It is apparently not advisable for damaged nerves.