spinal cord stimulator vs. TENS unit

Posted by sharonwelter1 @sharonwelter1, Jan 2, 2023

Do these devises operate on the same principle?

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 2, 2023

Hello @sharonwelter1, Welcome to Connect. In my non-expert opinion I think they are a little bit similar but a lot different in how well they work. Here's some basic info that explains it a little.

"TENS and SCS produce similar effects in neuropathic, inflammatory and non-inflammatory muscle pain models while MA is only effective in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models."
-- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, acupuncture, and spinal cord stimulation on neuropathic, inflammatory and, non-inflammatory pain in rat models:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7136295/

There are some discussions you might want to read through to ask questions of members who have tried or are using a spinal cord stimulator or TENS unit.
-- Comparison of Spinal Cord Stimulators from Boston Sci., Nevro:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/comparison-of-spinal-cord-stimulators-from-boston-sci-nevro/
-- Spinal Cord Stimulation:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spinal-cord-stimulation-3/
-- TENS Units:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-tens-units-any-help-for-chronic-pain-andor-pne/

Have you been looking at getting spinal cord stimulator or a TENS unit to help with chronic pain?

terri86 | @terri86 | Jun 13, 2023

What are the benefits of the SCS system vs. the TENS units? And are the costs to patient similar?

jp9 | @jp9 | Jun 14, 2023

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @sharonwelter1, Welcome to Connect. In my non-expert opinion I think they are a little bit..." + (show)

Yes, for cervical. Appt this month is triage for cervical spinal stimulator at Mayo in Rochester. Would appreciate replies. Degenerative discs C3-C7. I have had every injection, tests and procedures possible. I did not pass for ablation. Neck pain right side 24/7, little sleep and headaches beginning, and slight shoulder pain. My neck cracks very often when I turn my head.

alexis7 | @alexis7 | Jun 15, 2023

In reply to @terri86 "What are the benefits of the SCS system vs. the TENS units? And are the costs..." + (show)

They are not the same nor are the costs. A TENS unit, which can purchased over the counter, operates outside the body while an SCS is internal and placed by a doctor in a procedure room under fluoroscopy. A trial is required prior to permanent placement at which time the battery is placed under the skin. It's like a pacemaker battery. Hope this helps.