TENS - What Exactly Is It?

In case of TENS therapy, pain relief by pain gate mechanism involves the activation of A-beta sensory fibers. It reduces the transmission of the noxious stimulus from the C fibers. The activation of A-delta sensory fibers activates the opioid mechanism and provides relief by releasing the endogenous opiate in the spinal cord which reduces the activation of noxious sensory pathways.

TENS therapy is a non-invasive treatment used to relieve pain. TENS unit contains two or more electrodes, which are usually connected to the skin. Usually, TENS is applied at a frequency higher than 50 Hz with intensity below motor contraction or low frequency with an intensity that can produce motor contraction.

Although under careful conditions TENS can be safely applied to patients who are on the pacemaker, it should be avoided or should not be routinely used in such patients. Using TENS should be considered as a contraindication for a patient with any type of implanted electronic device including a pacemaker.

TENS therapy is a treatment technique that has fewer side effects as compared to drug therapy. Allergic-type skin reaction is the most common side effect of TENS treatment. About two to three percent of people get affected with this aftereffect. It may happen due to the material of the electrodes, the conductive gel, or the tape used to hold the electrodes in their place. However, most of the TENS applications are applied using the self-adhesive, pre-gelled electrodes that reduce the risk of infection and allergy.