TENs

TENs or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a special process that uses a machine to send small electrical currents across the skin into the nerves that run close to the surface of your skin. In doing so, this current can interrupt pain signals, making TENS ideal for use in the relief of pain, both acute (short onset) and chronic (long duration).

Pain is perceived in the brain due to impulses that travel from the site of the wound along nerve fibres. This can be very debilitating, requiring painkillers to stop it. In some circumstances it may not be reasonable to continue taking pain relief medication for such a long period of time, so people decide to use TENs machines instead. They are available from a wide variety of shops, including many high-street chains. They are most affective in the relief of muscular aches and pains such as those commonly found in people who have bad backs.

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