1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Anyone tried a TENS unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator)?

Posted by One Day at a Time @heavencanhelp, May 11, 2023

Recently diagnosed with PMR and unfortunately taking prednisone not by choice. Has anyone every tried using a TENS unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator)? I've been trying to do some research whether it helps with PMR pain management.

FYI: I've started to take OTC supplements as well such as Turmeric, Ginger, Bromelain, Ceylon Cinnamon, Hi Potency Fish Oil Capsules and also the Green Tea Extract Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). All of these supplements are for inflammation and help take the pain edge off but it never goes away. Wish everyone the best. God bless.

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pkalkstein | @pkalkstein | May 12, 2023

Since the vagus nerve controls inflammation, it appears that stimulation of that nerve should help with the inflammation from PMR. There is a VERY expensive device that will do that, but others have tried using TENS units for this purpose, and I have been trying to do that with an earclip on one of the electrodes. I can't get it to stay put, though!
The TENS unit gave me some temporary pain easing when I used it on my shoulders, but the pain came back later.

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1 reply
cpd54 | @cpd54 | May 12, 2023

I had that done while in physical therapy. It felt good at the time but I can’t really say it made things better in the long run.

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marmak | @marmak | May 12, 2023

I used a TENS when I was still working and my back was spasming. The pain would put me to my knees when it hit and I couldn't take the prescribed muscle relaxant when I worked. I found it very helpful. Didn't seem to work as well with the upper arms and shoulders.

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marid57 | @marid57 | May 13, 2023
In reply to @pkalkstein "Since the vagus nerve controls inflammation, it appears that stimulation of that nerve should help with..." + (show)
@pkalkstein

Since the vagus nerve controls inflammation, it appears that stimulation of that nerve should help with the inflammation from PMR. There is a VERY expensive device that will do that, but others have tried using TENS units for this purpose, and I have been trying to do that with an earclip on one of the electrodes. I can't get it to stay put, though!
The TENS unit gave me some temporary pain easing when I used it on my shoulders, but the pain came back later.

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The pain relief from a TENS unit only works while the device is in use. The Alpha Stim gives pain relief afterwards too. It's funny that I never thought to try my Alpha Stim for my pms pain until seeing the comment about the TENS unit. I will get it out and give it a try!

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