Welcome to Connect crocket and sweatergirl, and thank you for sharing your thoughts/questions regarding TENS therapy.
I would like you to meet @seanbeck, @19lin, @ladyjane85, @twinky, and @grammydove, who have all discussed using a TENS unit and may be able to offer insight on their experiences with the therapy.
crocket, what other sorts of therapies have you tried for your severe stenosis? Would you be willing to share any specific questions or reservations you have about using a TENS unit?
sweatergirl, have you personally used a TENS unit? If you have, could you discuss your experience using the TENS unit?
Crockett here. I have tried virtually every known therapy -- steroid injections at the nerve root (spine), physical therapy, pharmaceuticals (tramadol and gabapentin currently), acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic, etc. I stay active, keep moving, and control my weight. I know a TENS unit can be a hassle to apply, wear, and recharge. But that's about it. So I would like to hear from anyone who has had significant experience with it.
it has been a while since i used mine...i am allergic to the sticky stuff...of any kind...i choose to either be broken out in blisters or not use it...with the time it takes to apply everything it is not worth the amount of help...i would rather use my lidoderm patches...i guess now it will be a choice of the tens or the patches...one is extremely expensive (patches)...the tens is irritating to me to apply...lol...in more ways than one...if i put the anti allergenic tens pads on i still have to use a band aid of some sort to hold them on...then i won't have such a large place that looks like a thanksgiving turkey that has been overcooked...lol...so are the patches very irritating, but i seem to have less problems if i wash the area after a minimum of using...just another thing to irritate our pain wracked bodies...i used the tens unit since i fell in 1989...i've worn out two, this one i have now i haven't used that much...i got it about 4-5 yrs ago...i'm sure there are newer ones, maybe even less irritating...i saw a man have one--two patches above and two below his elbow...he said it was helping with his tennis elbow...so i guess it will also depend on the person, and the level of pain...hope this helps...it seems like there are times when nothing will ease the pain...
Crockett here. I have tried virtually every known therapy -- steroid injections at the nerve root (spine), physical therapy, pharmaceuticals (tramadol and gabapentin currently), acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic, etc. I stay active, keep moving, and control my weight. I know a TENS unit can be a hassle to apply, wear, and recharge. But that's about it. So I would like to hear from anyone who has had significant experience with it.
To @crockett I did the trial before having the wiring and battery pack<br>put into my back. I was with pain that often was at 9 level, so this was<br>my last resort. So with the trial for the NEUROSTIMULATOR by ST. JUDES I<br>psyched myself up that it would work, although it says it may help up to<br>50% of the pain. Went thru the surgery to put it in me, after a little over<br>a year I had it removed. Too many darn surgeries with 38 or so staples. It<br>did not take away my pain. A stimulator really is supposed to rumble in<br>your body at the spots you need and make the brain feel that instead of the<br>pain. Maybe some have a brain that it works with. Just my observation.<br> @ladyjane85<br><br>
Crockett here. I have tried virtually every known therapy -- steroid injections at the nerve root (spine), physical therapy, pharmaceuticals (tramadol and gabapentin currently), acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic, etc. I stay active, keep moving, and control my weight. I know a TENS unit can be a hassle to apply, wear, and recharge. But that's about it. So I would like to hear from anyone who has had significant experience with it.
Crockett here. I have tried virtually every known therapy -- steroid injections at the nerve root (spine), physical therapy, pharmaceuticals (tramadol and gabapentin currently), acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic, etc. I stay active, keep moving, and control my weight. I know a TENS unit can be a hassle to apply, wear, and recharge. But that's about it. So I would like to hear from anyone who has had significant experience with it.
Sorry to insert myself in here @ladyjane85, @grammydove & @crockett , but I believe you are confusing a TENS machine which has sticky patches & wires/leads with a surgery known as SCS which is a Spinal Cord Stimulator in which they surgically insert leads along your spine & they are suppose to get your nerves to provide other sensations other than pain. They are in fact two different things.
Crockett here. I have tried virtually every known therapy -- steroid injections at the nerve root (spine), physical therapy, pharmaceuticals (tramadol and gabapentin currently), acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic, etc. I stay active, keep moving, and control my weight. I know a TENS unit can be a hassle to apply, wear, and recharge. But that's about it. So I would like to hear from anyone who has had significant experience with it.
When I worked as a paralegal in both personal injury and insurance defense, saw many examples of both forms--the most common was the portable TENS unit -routinely used after modalities (if treatment rendered by a chiro), or following exercising and stretching with a PT. My PT uses the TENS unit in conjunction with an ice pack.
BTW-My PT's use of the ice pack/tens unit was to increase my ROM. That was prior to the MRI that confirmed a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis aka frozen shoulder. Once the frozen shoulder was confirmed, we knew there really wasn't any way to relieve the pain with the except of a Manipulation Under Anesthesia, so the TENS was stopped.
With having limited ROM in both shoulders, along with excruciating pain in the left, there's no way I could apply it myself. Heck, I can't hardly put on/take off a bra/blouse without assistance.
If anyone can let you know if this is indeed something that may help you, I am willing to give you mine. It was of no use for my CRPS.
I bought Dr. Ho's TENS unit about a year ago or so. If you are interested connect with me privately and I will arrange to send it to you.
Crockett here. I have tried virtually every known therapy -- steroid injections at the nerve root (spine), physical therapy, pharmaceuticals (tramadol and gabapentin currently), acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic, etc. I stay active, keep moving, and control my weight. I know a TENS unit can be a hassle to apply, wear, and recharge. But that's about it. So I would like to hear from anyone who has had significant experience with it.
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To try one out, go to a chiropractor or get referred to a physical therapist. Both use TENS units in their practice(s).
Good luck!
Welcome to Connect crocket and sweatergirl, and thank you for sharing your thoughts/questions regarding TENS therapy.
I would like you to meet @seanbeck, @19lin, @ladyjane85, @twinky, and @grammydove, who have all discussed using a TENS unit and may be able to offer insight on their experiences with the therapy.
crocket, what other sorts of therapies have you tried for your severe stenosis? Would you be willing to share any specific questions or reservations you have about using a TENS unit?
sweatergirl, have you personally used a TENS unit? If you have, could you discuss your experience using the TENS unit?
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1 ReactionCrockett here. I have tried virtually every known therapy -- steroid injections at the nerve root (spine), physical therapy, pharmaceuticals (tramadol and gabapentin currently), acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic, etc. I stay active, keep moving, and control my weight. I know a TENS unit can be a hassle to apply, wear, and recharge. But that's about it. So I would like to hear from anyone who has had significant experience with it.
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Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactionsit has been a while since i used mine...i am allergic to the sticky stuff...of any kind...i choose to either be broken out in blisters or not use it...with the time it takes to apply everything it is not worth the amount of help...i would rather use my lidoderm patches...i guess now it will be a choice of the tens or the patches...one is extremely expensive (patches)...the tens is irritating to me to apply...lol...in more ways than one...if i put the anti allergenic tens pads on i still have to use a band aid of some sort to hold them on...then i won't have such a large place that looks like a thanksgiving turkey that has been overcooked...lol...so are the patches very irritating, but i seem to have less problems if i wash the area after a minimum of using...just another thing to irritate our pain wracked bodies...i used the tens unit since i fell in 1989...i've worn out two, this one i have now i haven't used that much...i got it about 4-5 yrs ago...i'm sure there are newer ones, maybe even less irritating...i saw a man have one--two patches above and two below his elbow...he said it was helping with his tennis elbow...so i guess it will also depend on the person, and the level of pain...hope this helps...it seems like there are times when nothing will ease the pain...
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionTo @crockett I did the trial before having the wiring and battery pack<br>put into my back. I was with pain that often was at 9 level, so this was<br>my last resort. So with the trial for the NEUROSTIMULATOR by ST. JUDES I<br>psyched myself up that it would work, although it says it may help up to<br>50% of the pain. Went thru the surgery to put it in me, after a little over<br>a year I had it removed. Too many darn surgeries with 38 or so staples. It<br>did not take away my pain. A stimulator really is supposed to rumble in<br>your body at the spots you need and make the brain feel that instead of the<br>pain. Maybe some have a brain that it works with. Just my observation.<br> @ladyjane85<br><br>
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1 Reactioninstalled, wow...am i behind...i didn't know they installed them also...that may be something i need to check out...
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1 ReactionSorry to insert myself in here @ladyjane85, @grammydove & @crockett , but I believe you are confusing a TENS machine which has sticky patches & wires/leads with a surgery known as SCS which is a Spinal Cord Stimulator in which they surgically insert leads along your spine & they are suppose to get your nerves to provide other sensations other than pain. They are in fact two different things.
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1 ReactionI agree with you @overwhelmed.
When I worked as a paralegal in both personal injury and insurance defense, saw many examples of both forms--the most common was the portable TENS unit -routinely used after modalities (if treatment rendered by a chiro), or following exercising and stretching with a PT. My PT uses the TENS unit in conjunction with an ice pack.
BTW-My PT's use of the ice pack/tens unit was to increase my ROM. That was prior to the MRI that confirmed a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis aka frozen shoulder. Once the frozen shoulder was confirmed, we knew there really wasn't any way to relieve the pain with the except of a Manipulation Under Anesthesia, so the TENS was stopped.
With having limited ROM in both shoulders, along with excruciating pain in the left, there's no way I could apply it myself. Heck, I can't hardly put on/take off a bra/blouse without assistance.
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsIf anyone can let you know if this is indeed something that may help you, I am willing to give you mine. It was of no use for my CRPS.
I bought Dr. Ho's TENS unit about a year ago or so. If you are interested connect with me privately and I will arrange to send it to you.
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1 ReactionThe hand held units with stickum electrodes are weaker units, when you get to the heavier type it is surgical. @ladyjane85
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