Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

Written by Aanya Deshpande

Electromagnetic field (EMF) therapy is an emerging treatment that heals many bone and inflammatory disorders and regenerates cells. It has been proven to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. However, EMF therapy is an underapplied therapy in clinical treatments because it is understudied. A common form of EMF therapy is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), which also falls under the pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) umbrella. 

TENS is a pain relief method that uses a mild electric current to activate peripheral nerves. TENS has commonly been used to treat conditions, such as low back pain, osteoporosis, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. A TENS machine is a battery-operated, pocket-sized device with wires connecting to sticky pads known as electrodes. The electrodes apply an electric current to the painful area and will induce a tingling effect. The device has settings to change the duration, frequency, current patterns, and pulse amplitude. Low frequencies, or <10 Hz, and high intensity induce muscle contractions. High frequencies, or >50 Hz, and low intensity induce paresthesia and no muscle contractions. 

While TENS may be convenient for patients struggling with pain, TENS machines function off of milliamps, which causes electrodes to burn on the skin. The human body functions on microamps, and milliamps are stronger than microamps and may cause damage to the skin. TENS is also a temporary solution for pain and does not eliminate the source. Researchers have also discovered that patients can become addicted to TENS because it causes hyperstimulation in the muscles. Because of this, the muscles produce lactic acid, which can cause more pain and induce patients to use TENS machines more. 

Overall, TENS can be an effective pain relief method for temporary solutions, but it may become damaging after too many uses. It can also numb pain, but it can not destroy the source of the pain. Before using TENS, it is best to consult a doctor before the electrode application. 

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537188/ 

https://www.nenahsylver.com/files/Rife_Handbook_5th_Ed_Appendix_C_Healing_with_ EM_&_Sound_Therapies,_2018.pdf

Written by Aanya Deshpande from MEDILOQUY