1. < Neuropathy

I want to know more about TENS stimulation

Posted by cb3 @cb3, Apr 29 7:37am

TENS means transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. "A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own pain killers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain."

This sounds good but I am still at the level of curiosity coupled with fear. Can TENS cause brain damage? And what's this about too much B6 causing more damage? I don't see how we can group everybody's metabolic systems into one clump. Can this stimulator cure PN? How long does the pain level stay at bay? How many treatments do you need and how often? I've seen the machines at Amazon. Would a neurologist have them in their office? Will this stimulator work on lumbar multilevel degenerative disc disease?

We do not have a neurologist in this whole county. And I'm not keen on traveling long distances to see one. And I just learned our Podiatrist is leaving so I need to find the new one who is replacing him. Your support is greatly accepted at all levels. Thanks. CB

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 6 days ago
In reply to @bigbob5461 "Heisenberg34…How long have you had neuropathy? Have you made major changes to your diet and exercise..." + (show)
@bigbob5461

Heisenberg34…How long have you had neuropathy? Have you made major changes to your diet and exercise schedule since?? I am not diabetic…not sure if different types yield different symptoms

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This is likely related to a ski injury back in 2016. Up until last December, I only had pain in lower back and buttocks. The tingling, numbness, and pain in lower extremities just began and have become more problematic since.

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1 reply
bigbob5461 | @bigbob5461 | 6 days ago
In reply to @heisenberg34 "This is likely related to a ski injury back in 2016. Up until last December, I..." + (show)
@heisenberg34

This is likely related to a ski injury back in 2016. Up until last December, I only had pain in lower back and buttocks. The tingling, numbness, and pain in lower extremities just began and have become more problematic since.

Jump to this post

I had no idea an injury could cause neuropathy…so you’ve had it for 5-7 years ??

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1 reply
queendee1119 | @queendee1119 | 5 days ago

I had cervical spine surgery with no relief of pain. I've tried the tens unit several times and unfortunately it didn't relieve my pain. The tens unit doesn't hurt

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heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 5 days ago
In reply to @bigbob5461 "I had no idea an injury could cause neuropathy…so you’ve had it for 5-7 years ??" + (show)
@bigbob5461

I had no idea an injury could cause neuropathy…so you’ve had it for 5-7 years ??

Jump to this post

From what I've read, an injury can cause PN, even years later. My pain from the ski fall was under good control from 2017 until 2021 when it suddenly all came roaring back. Not the tingling, numbness and pain that I have today. It was just pain in the lower back and buttocks. Then, back in December the tingling pain began to creep into my lower extremities. I never had foot pain before now. Going for MRI of feet to see if there is something awry there. Very frustrating.

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1 reply
bigbob5461 | @bigbob5461 | 5 days ago
In reply to @heisenberg34 "From what I've read, an injury can cause PN, even years later. My pain from the..." + (show)
@heisenberg34

From what I've read, an injury can cause PN, even years later. My pain from the ski fall was under good control from 2017 until 2021 when it suddenly all came roaring back. Not the tingling, numbness and pain that I have today. It was just pain in the lower back and buttocks. Then, back in December the tingling pain began to creep into my lower extremities. I never had foot pain before now. Going for MRI of feet to see if there is something awry there. Very frustrating.

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Thanks for reply…not sure how mine happened—I guess can several ways..I’m having a not normal feeling in my head..not sure if that’s PN related or not..I guess as we get older..things happen. It’s just weird that in 2025…there’s no cure or medication to cause regression…I’m trying to focus of change of diet and keep some exercise going..plus taking 600mg.. of R-lipoic acid daily.

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heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 5 days ago
In reply to @bigbob5461 "Heisenberg34…How long have you had neuropathy? Have you made major changes to your diet and exercise..." + (show)
@bigbob5461

Heisenberg34…How long have you had neuropathy? Have you made major changes to your diet and exercise schedule since?? I am not diabetic…not sure if different types yield different symptoms

Jump to this post

I'm not diabetic. Every test I've had says that I am perfectly normal. Bloodwork, x-rays, MRIs, you name it. I had a pain pump implanted two years ago which has not provided any relief The PN symptoms only appeared about six months ago. Very odd and frustrating.

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1 reply
suzmccl | @suzmccl | 4 days ago
In reply to @heisenberg34 "I'm not diabetic. Every test I've had says that I am perfectly normal. Bloodwork, x-rays, MRIs,..." + (show)
@heisenberg34

I'm not diabetic. Every test I've had says that I am perfectly normal. Bloodwork, x-rays, MRIs, you name it. I had a pain pump implanted two years ago which has not provided any relief The PN symptoms only appeared about six months ago. Very odd and frustrating.

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There are Neuropathy clinics all over DFW now, all FDA approved and medicare approved as well. They provide treatments with electro-frequency devices used with combined electro-analgesic therapy. It is used to stinulate nerve cells and overall nerve signaling. It increases blood flow and available oxygen necessary to regenerate and heal the nerves. The goal is to normalize overall cell function. They call it "the most innovative treatment for reversing and healing peripheral neuropathy". If it is approved by both FDA and medicare, it must help some!
It did not work for my condition, which is not been diagnosed as neuropathy. Still searching for the cause of my lower legs and feet burning and feeling on fire, especially at rest. I've passed many neurological and vascular tests trying to find the cause so it can be treated properly. Gabapentin just drugs me, has too many side effects, and should be a last resort. But I've had a spinal surgeon and a neurologist prescribe it. In other words, they're baffled by it and prescribe pills to block the pain.

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1 reply
solobeee | @solobeee | 4 days ago

Tens has never worked for me & I’ve tried many time anyway over the 15 years I’ve had neuropathy

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1 reply
heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 3 days ago
In reply to @suzmccl "There are Neuropathy clinics all over DFW now, all FDA approved and medicare approved as well...." + (show)
@suzmccl

There are Neuropathy clinics all over DFW now, all FDA approved and medicare approved as well. They provide treatments with electro-frequency devices used with combined electro-analgesic therapy. It is used to stinulate nerve cells and overall nerve signaling. It increases blood flow and available oxygen necessary to regenerate and heal the nerves. The goal is to normalize overall cell function. They call it "the most innovative treatment for reversing and healing peripheral neuropathy". If it is approved by both FDA and medicare, it must help some!
It did not work for my condition, which is not been diagnosed as neuropathy. Still searching for the cause of my lower legs and feet burning and feeling on fire, especially at rest. I've passed many neurological and vascular tests trying to find the cause so it can be treated properly. Gabapentin just drugs me, has too many side effects, and should be a last resort. But I've had a spinal surgeon and a neurologist prescribe it. In other words, they're baffled by it and prescribe pills to block the pain.

Jump to this post

Thanks for sharing. I was diagnosed with PN after an EMG, months before any typical symptoms appeared. Prior to that I just had pain in my lower back and buttocks due to an injury.
What is DFW? I would certainly be interested in visiting one.
Thanks

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2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 3 days ago
In reply to @heisenberg34 "Thanks for sharing. I was diagnosed with PN after an EMG, months before any typical symptoms..." + (show)
@heisenberg34

Thanks for sharing. I was diagnosed with PN after an EMG, months before any typical symptoms appeared. Prior to that I just had pain in my lower back and buttocks due to an injury.
What is DFW? I would certainly be interested in visiting one.
Thanks

Jump to this post

DFW stands for Dallas, Fort Worth area of Texas. I looked into a few neuropathy clinics in the Minneapolis area but decided against it as I only have numbness without the pain and the cost was too high with zero guarantees. There is a discussion that you might find helpful:
-- Has anyone benefited from treatment claimed by Neuropathy Clinics?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-17/

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