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How tens pain relief works |
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At high and low frequencies, tens machines activate opioid receptors in the central nervous system.
Opioid receptors have various functions, including the production of analgesia (pain relief), sedation and euphoria.
When a tens machine is turned up to a high pulse rate, it causes neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the spinal cord to send messages to the synapse in the brain. This causes the spinal cord to block the pain gate, by producing pain relief (analgesia).
At a low frequency, tens pain relief machines also stimulate serotonin receptors in the spinal cord. This causes serotonin to be released in the brain. Serotonin helps to relieve chronic pain.
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How effective are Tens Machines |
Various research has shown that using a tens machine is an effective way of easing pain, if it is used correctly. The results vary according to the type of pain.
A study done abroad surveyed the effects of tens pain relief for labour pains. 71% of participants said tens machines had provided effective pain relief for their labour pains. Most of the participants said they would use a tens unit for pain relief in the future.
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Are Tens Machines suitable for everyone? |
A tens machine is suitable for most people who want pain relief, but don’t want to resort to taking potentially dangerous medication.
Tens pain relief units stimulate the production of natural pain relief in your body. So you don’t get the unwanted side effects that many drugs produce. But although they are relatively harmless, tens machines are not suitable for everyone.
You should not use a tens machine if:
- You have a pacemaker
- You have a defibrillator
- You suffer from epilepsy
- You don’t know the cause of the pain
- You have lymphedema (swelling caused by lymphatic obstruction).
It is usually possible for most people to use a maternity tens machine. But if you are pregnant you should seek medical advice before doing so.
You should not use a tens machine in or near water. Also you should avoid using a tens machine while you are sleeping.
The electrodes should never be placed over certain parts of the body, such as the eyes, throat, and heart.
If you’re still not sure whether a tens machine is suitable for you, you should check with your GP first. |
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Different Tens Machines for Different Types of Pain |
You can choose from a variety of tens machines to deal with different types of pain. Dual channel tens machines cover large areas of pain, such as the back. If you are suffering pain in a smaller area of the body, such as the wrist, a single channel tens machine would be more suitable for you.
A wide variety of tens machines are available to women who want natural pain relief in labour. They have different names, but they all serve the same purpose. A maternity tens machine is often referred to as a labour tens machine, a pregnancy tens machine, or a baby tens machine.
Some popular maternity tens machines include Elle Tens, and Obi Tens. Femme Elite tens is also popular for after the birth, as it can be used to tone your pelvic floor muscles, and relieve period pains and back pains.
Single channel tens machines provide powerful pain relief for headache and migraine sufferers. |
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