Tens Machine

[Christianne]

For some time I have had a bad back, and a colleague suggested I might try to use a Tens Machine to ease the pain. I have not got one, is it worth my buying one? I know very little about these machines, and would welcome any advise from anyone who has used a Tens Machine. Many thanks.

[Old_Geezer]

They didn't do much for me.

[bhg481]

Someone lent me one several years ago and it had no effect whatsoever. A complete waste of time for me but it might be different for you.

[maggiebee]

Must admit I had to look this up as I had no idea chat a Tens Machine was. I read this on the NHS site.

If you're thinking about trying TENS, it's a good idea to speak to your GP about a referral to a physiotherapist or pain clinic.
A physiotherapist or pain specialist may be able to loan you a TENS machine for a short period if they think it could help.
You can choose to buy your own TENS machine without getting medical advice, but it's generally better to have a proper assessment first, so you can find out whether a TENS machine is appropriate for you and be taught how to use it properly.

[Prudie]

I'd certainly try and borrow one to try first if you can, I know some people give them good reviews (have even heard of them being used for childbirth) but my mother splashed out on one in desperation at her back pain and it did nothing. She also lent it to me when I hurt my shoulder and it did nothing for me either.

[Mamyalynne]

I had an NHS one years ago after multiple fractures but found exercises did more for me.

My Daughter found some benefit during labour with hers.

[furrypusscat]

I believe it depends on the type of pain, nerve pain, chronic pain etc. I have one but like others have said didn't do much for me. A bit like accupuncture. Best to try one first.

[Hymie]

You don't need borrow one, you can buy one for less than £6 (free p&p).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Tens-Machine-Therapy-Full-Body-Massage-8-Modes-Pain-Relief-Acupuncture-/252620106976?epid=2057268915&hash=item3ad154ece0:g:g8kAAOSwXeJYHEkQ

I have one of these; what is good about it is that it has 8 different programs (giving differing sensations) with random/repetitive pulsing, each having 15 levels of intensity – whereas many more expensive machines are far more limited in providing a variation in their output.

Based on my own experience of using tens machines, they work by inducing a pain/sensation at another location, masking the original pain.

So if you have a pain in your ankle and cut off your right arm – your ankle pain will appear to have gone away (or at least be of no concern to you).

[islasmum]

I'm afraid that like several people on here I bought one for my bad back and it did nothing for me at all.

[cupotee2]

Did absolutely nothing for me and my poorly back. I wouldn't waste a penny piece on one