Chronic Pain

I had a TENS unit at home at one point but gave it back b/c I wasn't good at sitting down and using it. Now though I read that everyone really likes the tensing and am wondering if I shouldn't give it another try. My doc says I can rent/use one for about $34 a month (not too much compared to prescriptions and such). Anyone else have one at home? Is it worth the time out of each day?

I don't have one at home but I sure wish I did !!! My mayofascial therapist said you can buy them for a few hundred bucks... I may look into it...

My dentist just recommended me getting one of these. If someone has any info on its use/benefits, please let us know.

I have a name and a number of a gentleman that sells them - my dentist recommended him. They are only $125.00. Not bad if it works.

Karen

I will write an article about the use of TENS for pain since there is some interest. Look for it soon!
stacy

Hey all,
my really basic question is: what is TENS? I have never heard of this before, can someone fill me in? Thanks,
Heather

Hi Heather, Hope the below helps

From the TMJTMD.com Research site - TENS as used in the TMD management protocol described in this article is for neuromuscular stimulation. It is a low amplitude, low frequency intermittent stimulation which causes muscles to alternately contract and then relax in a pumping manner, similar to a massage. Applied bilaterally to an area over the notch between the TMJ and the coronoid process, the stimulus reaches the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V) deep to the mandible as well as the superficial facial (VII) nerve.

Hi everyone,
Since there is such a demand for this article, I will be putting it up as a SharePost tomorrow hopefully! Or at the very least.... SOON!
stacy

Interesting thread.

One of my physical therapists mentioned last night that it might be helpful if I used TENS at home. She's going to try and find smaller pads than what they have and see if my insurance will cover it.

I just wanted to let you all know that I did write the article about TENS, and it was vetted by the docs (every article we write here is reviewed by doctors) and will be up soon!
sorry for the delay!!
stacy

I use TENS every day, all day. I too like the intense setting. You ask does it help? I use it to distract me from the pain. As the pain increases so does the the setting for higher frequency. I also find that because I am sensitive to the pads (not unusual for me to be sensitive) I must move them an inch to the right or left every few hours. Because I have to move the pads through out the day the direct areas of pain do not get the full benefit. The last two hours of the day I move the pads back to the original areas. Does it reduce my pain? I have heard it does for some, it doesn't for me but what it does is make life a bit more bearable. Unfortuately because of my sensitivity to medication I do not have too many choices.
I would recommend using it for two weeks. Either rent or borrow from your PT. Have your PT show you the different settings and frequency. Play with it until you find the right setting. You should slowly increase the hours of use each day and by the beginning of the second week you should be able to wear it most of the day and be a pro at adjusting it
. Keep in mind that it is a new therapy for you, in time you will find out all the trick to the TENS and pads. I will be more then happy answer any questions your have during your trial period if you choose to try the TENS. I think it is well worth it.