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

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cit10jetjockey | @cit10jetjockey | Aug 29 7:45am

I purchased a Tens Unit along with the gel and socks and followed the instructions but nothing changed with my PN issues. PN is here to stay so learn to deal with it. Don’t waste your money.

rybren | @rybren | Aug 30 7:35am

I read your post and felt I needed to respond. Unfortunately I have Idiopathic PN of the feet. No idea why I got this. Been to every Dr imaginable like most on this blog. While nothing is going to fix this for me, time to adjust.
I purchased the Nerve Rebuilder 4 years ago and I use it every night. Not sure it rebuilds nerves but I find it the best solution for me to calm all those little nerves down. It is very comfortable once you get use to it.
There are a few ways to use it. I like the in the water mode. I now use cold water, not warm water. Cold seems to help as well.
While my PN has not improved it has not gotten worse 4 years post diagnosis. Lots of opinions on this.
As one would expect many are seeking a cure. That does not seem likely so I chose to figure out how to deal with this situation.
My unit was expensive but it you look at the yearly cost it is a Dr’s office visit comparison.
Oh, sometimes I go to bed and the feet just are buzzing and can’t sleep. I use it for 30 minutes in cold water and it makes a difference for me.

So a good baseball game or sit com and a soak with cold water every night for me. It is the only thing that helps me besides a low dose of gabapentin. Good luck to all that are reading. Look for the small things, I think we got to try different approaches to find what works for you to reduce your discomfort or pain. For me a use the Nerve Rebuilder but don’t expect a cure. Hope this helps. Mike C