TENS Unit for lumbar spinal stenosis

I have used one on and off for years, but never helped me.
The only reason I kept trying it was out of desperation.

At the end of every PT session I would get a TENS treatment. But, it was more to help me deal with muscle spasms than my L5 back pain. Eventually we stopped them and did a combination of Therapy gun for back spasms and traction. I felt those in combination were more effective. But maybe give it a try, TENS might work for you.

..I have very similar diagnosis, as well as a myriad of other spine issues. I do take a lot of pain medications, have for the last few years.
I am getting ready to trial a "Spinal Cord Stimulator", that my Pain Management Specialist is pushing quite hard. Many patients LOVE theirs, I understand..

Pain Management Physicians PUSH HARD for the Spinal Cord Stimulator because of the $$$$$$$$$, and that was told to me by my own Orthopedic/Pain Management Physician. There are no such things as "pain medications" in my state, at least narcotic pain medications anyhow, no doctor will prescribe them. I hope the SCS works for you and that you feel better.

One spine specialist told me a few years ago that what spinal cord stimulator’s do through their electronic signals, is to confuse the brain, so the brain does not know to which signal it should pay attention. From my perspective tens units do the same thing. I they can both help but are no silver bullets.

With my Lumbar Spinal Stenosis I wasn't able to walk more than a short walk to the mailbox before quite a lot of pain would set in. I learned of a lumbar spinal stenosis walking program that suggested walking until the pain got to about a 4 of 10 - then stop until the pain subsides - then walk again to a pain point of 4 of 10 then stop. Do this again and again for 45 minutes. Repeat daily. I discovered that over time the distance became longer and longer to where ultimately I've been able to walk more than a mile without the lumbar spinal stenosis pain recurring.

That said, my back did hurt on those walks in a kind of nagging way, I think from an earlier injury. I brought out my old TENS unit from a past situation and set up 4 TENS pads on my back - criss-crossed around that area of nagging discomfort. I can now take my 45 minute walks with only the sensation that the TENS produces, a kind of pleasant sensation I might add (100 Hz with 300 us PW for the full 45 minutes). P.S. I'm 85 years old.

Note: The med site that recommended the intermittent walking program seems to be no longer available on the internet. It worked for me but I suspect it caused problems for others - thus pulled.

Personally I have used a TENS unit for pulled muscles to recover faster. They have helped pulled hamstring injuries. They are used by baseball players to recover after throwing on their shoulder. I have even had success when I had achilles tendonitis. However, they have not helped me with spinal compression or any type of bone related issues. I still would give it a try as it shouldn’t have any negative effects.

I had lumbar surgery last year and shortly thereafter purchased a TENS unit. It has played a major role in helping me handle the pain I've had through my recovery. It immediately stops the pain signal while it's turned on and in some situations gives me relief afterward. Knowing that I can stop the pain without relying on more drugs is worth everything. I recommend anyone suffering pain to get one and give it a try.