TENS – Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

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TENS – Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (253kB)

What is TENS?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a safe and non-invasive treatment that we use for treating pain which does not involve taking medicines. We can use it to treat both acute and chronic pain.

How does TENS work?

When nerves are irritated or become damaged they start to send faulty messages to the brain, which can be felt as pain, numbness or tingling. Pain that is caused by these scrambled or exaggerated messages from nerves is called neuropathic pain (nerve pain). The scrambled/altered messages reaching the brain can also affect sleep and mood.

The TENS machine sends gentle electrical impulses that feel like a buzzing, tingling or vibrating sensation, to nerves that sense touch. When these touch messages reach the spine they can block the messages sent by the pain nerves, like closing a door. It works for the same reason as when you bump your elbow you (your parent or carer) will ‘rub it better’. It stops the pain nerve messages from reaching the brain and this reduces the pain you feel.

What does the treatment involve?

Small sticky gel pads (electrodes) are placed on the skin, either near the painful area or on the back. These are connected to a small machine (about the size of an ipod), which can easily be clipped to a belt, skirt or pocket. The machine sends mild electrical impulses (that will feel like a gentle tickle or vibration) to the electrodes. These impulses pass through the skin and activate the touch sensing nerves under the skin, which ‘closes the door’ to the pain nerves.

How to use the machine

• Apply the pads to skin that is clean and dry before switching the machine on.
• The skin should be free from creams and lotions before applying the pads –otherwise they will not be able to stick to the skin.
• Do not place the pads over jewellery.
• The TENS machine has several settings to choose from depending on the type of pain you feel. A member of the Pain Team will discuss all of these, advise you on which settings might be more helpful and demonstrate how to use the machine.
• You can wear the machine for as long as you need during the daytime.
• You can carry on with your normal activities also, such as going to school, being with your friends, doing sports or other interests.
• Always turn the machine off before removing the sticky pads
• Always replace the sticky pads back onto the plastic they came on – this helps them retain their sticky nature for as long as possible.

Using the TENS machine safely

The TENS machine is a very safe treatment however as it powered by a battery it is an electrical appliance. Therefore it is important not to get the machine wet, it cannot be worn in the bath, in the shower or whilst swimming. We also advise you not to wear the TENS machine in bed, in case a fault develops whilst sleeping you would be unaware of. If the machine becomes dirty, use a damp cloth to wipe it clean (whilst it is switched off).

You can re-use the pads many times so long as they remain sticky. To help the pads stay effective for as long as possible replace them on the plastic after use. If they are no longer sticky, please contact the pain team to arrange for replacement pads to be supplied.

Each time you use the electrodes ensure the pads are sticky and not too dry. If they seem dry you can try rubbing them with a damp finger (whilst disconnected from the machine) to improve the stickiness. Also look at the wires to make sure they are in good repair, no cracks or exposed wires.

Are there any contraindications against using TENS machine?

There are few contraindications (reasons that something cannot be used) to using the TENS machine, which makes it a very good therapy for most people.

There are however some people who should not use them:

• If you have a pacemaker or any other electrical device to your heart you must not use TENS. Inform the doctor, nurse or any other member of the pain team if this is the case.
• Do not place the pads on any broken skin, blisters or unhealed scars.
• It should be used with caution in children with epilepsy
• Electrodes should not be placed on the neck

Are there any side effects?

Treatments are used to make you better, but sometimes they cause problems we don’t want – these are called side effects. TENS has very few side effects. The most common side effect (in less than 2% patients) is skin irritation at the site of the gel electrode.

Although not a side effect some patients (particularly our younger patients) find the tickling sensation ‘weird’ or unpleasant and therefore refuse to wear it. If this is the case we would suggest trying it on a very gentle setting and building up slowly, or trying it again when they are a little older.

Contact details

Please contact the Pain Service if you have any problems.

Our email address is [email protected]

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

PIAG: 097