Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is prescribed by a doctor. It is intended to relieve pain by preventing pain signals from reaching your brain. TENS is safe and usually painless, but it isn’t always effective.
With TENS, small electrodes are placed on your skin, near the area of your pain. The electrodes are attached to a small portable stimulator that you wear. The stimulator delivers tiny electrical impulses through the electrodes to nearby nerve pathways. You turn the TENS unit on and off as needed to control pain.
Exactly how the impulses may relieve pain is uncertain. One theory is that they stimulate production of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.
TENS generally works best for acute pain associated with a pinched nerve. It is less successful for chronic pain, although some people receive benefit from it. Most often, TENS is used in conjunction with other treatments, including exercise.
