Back pain is the 5th most common reasons people go to the doctor. When we have a flare up, it can be debilitating. To fight the pain, most people often rely on pain medications and oral narcotics by default.

Since low back pain is the 5th most common medical complaint people seek treatment, “Between 75-80% of Americans will experience an episode of low back pain at some point in their life.” according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. For many people, low back pain is a short-term condition, but for some, it can be disabling, frustrating, and often lead to depression and other ailments. The simple things in life like sitting upright in an office chair or driving can often aggravate back pain since this sitting position loads the back three times more than standing.

Naturally, most people want an alternative to traditional back pain remedies and pain pills. Many wonder, “Can a TENS unit help provide back pain relief?”. The purpose of this page is to itemize all aspects of What TENS is and make a case for why the iReliev TENS unit is a great option for you.

What is TENS?

TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a back pain relief treatment that uses low voltage electric current to relieve pain. TENS delivers gentle electrical impulses to electrode pads that are placed directly on your skin that travel to the nerves. When TENS stimulates the sensory nerve endings, it blocks the pain signal from traveling to the brain. This creates a pleasantly relieving, tingling sensation in the place of pain. The current that a TENS treatment sends can also produce endorphins. TENS therapy is often used to manage pain while the body is healing in situations like post-surgery recovery, athletic or other types of injuries, and chronic or acute pain.

How Does TENS Relieve Pain?

Gate Control Theory

The first effect that TENS therapy has on the body can be explained by the Gate Control Theory. This theory suggests that non-painful nerve signals will block painful nerve signals. The non-painful signals “close the gate” and prevent the pain signals from going to the brain. For example, imagine that these pain signals are two trains on separate tracks. Each of these two tracks converge into one single track that goes to the brain. The train on the right is the pain signal, and it’s headed for the single track to the brain. But, when the non-painful signal is stimulated, the train on the left heads for that same track to the brain, taking over the single track to the brain, and blocking the painful signals from getting through to the brain.

When TENS stimulates the nerve endings, it replaces the “pain train” with pleasant, tingling sensations. This massage-like therapy can be used to treat pain as soon as it shows up. TENS has been used to help with many different ailments in this way, including lower or upper back pain, shoulder and neck pain, and even pain associated with carpal tunnel.

Releases Endorphins…The Body’s Feel Good Chemical

The second effect that TENS therapy does which helps combat pain is it Releases Endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkiller. When released, endorphins create a relaxed, pain-free state of mind, like the painkilling qualities of morphine. Endorphins, along with the stimulated nerve endings, prevent the pain signals from travelling to the brain.

TENS therapy can be used daily, and even multiple times a day. The frequency of application depends on the individual’s pain management needs. Because so many TENS units are now small and portable, they can be used on the go or at home, at work, or even before bed.

The quality of living can be greatly affected by pain. Sometimes, to prevent straining an already-injured muscle, you can hurt another. Using TENS to manage pain allows patients with chronic or acute pain to return to a more normal quality of life. It’s not just important to learn how TENS helps relieve pain, but it’s important to realize how much pain can affect the way you live and how to take control of the pain before it takes control of you.

What the Science Says about TENS

Scientific Studies Proving the Safety and Effectiveness

  • This study evaluated patients who were given transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

    • Patients who were treated with TENS had significantly hospital, clinical, and physical therapy visits.
    • Required less back surgery than patients receiving other treatment modalities.
    • Total annual costs for chronic low back pain patients without neurological involvement were lower in TENS patients, even when the cost of the device was taken into account.

  • Cochrane Review Examines Available Evidence on TENS

    Despite its wide use and theoretical rationale, there appears at first glance mixed scientific evidence to support its use. This Cochrane review examines the available evidence on TENS for the treatment of chronic back pain through an exhaustive search of the literature. After considerable examination of all available research it was found that there was evidence that TENS reduces pain and improves range of motion in chronic back pain patients.

  • CONCLUSION: Shows People Treated with TENS had Fewer Hospital & Physical Therapy Visits and Required Less Surgery. Cochrane study shows evidence that TENS reduces pain and improves range of motion in chronic back pain patients.

Why iReliev TENS Units?

FDA Cleared. Safe & Effective. Medical Grade.

For relief of acute and chronic back pain symptoms. Prescription strength relief that is comparable to devices used in medical clinics and chiropractic offices.

 Highly Rated. Exceptional Reviews.

We are honored to have helped so many people.

 Highly Portable. Take with You on the Go.

Our devices are designed to be portable so that you can take with you on the go or use in your home.