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[frances1]

Hi got spondylitis off the neck just ordered tens machine, drugs making me feel sick but in pain any advise would be welcome. keep well linda.

[Bananas5]

Hello Linda

Welcome on board! Lots of help, advice a support here covering all aspects of chronic pain.

Which bit would you like advice on?

Pat x

[frances1 in reply to Bananas5]

advise on the tens machine never used one. thank you. should arrive next week.

[Bananas5 in reply to frances1]

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation! TENS sounds far less scarey.

Comes with 4 sticky pads which are placed in pairs on the skin either side of where the pain is. You can use just 2 if that's all you need. they emit electric waves which can be controlled by a dial in little box - placed in your pocket. Range from slight tingling, pins and needles to making nerves jump. They work by making your body produce its own endorphins. These are you natural pain killers containing opiates but have no sie efects of addiction.

The pads can irritate the skin but this is overcome by using hydrocautisan cream or 'silver' pads if available.

You can wear it for most activities - someone having a joke here!

As it does help reduce pain don't make the mistake of thinking - Aha - i can do more cos I'm not hurting. Mistake many people make and you can end ip hurting more when you switch it off.

People are in 2 camps about its worth. Like all 'meds' it works for some and not for others. I have only ever heard good results.

Earthwtch gave a good answer about seeking a visit to your pain clinic. i am there number one fan! Also heat is a great comfort. Mu dear Mum always swore by a hot water bottle as a cure all!

Hope this helps and always around if you need a rant!

Pat x

[earthwitch]

Ask your GP to refer you to a pain clinic. They can be really useful. Also ask for (or self refer) physiotherapy - they will show you how to use your TENS machine to the best advantage. They may also be able to give you some stretching or gentle exercise that will help your spine. I've had really good results from appropriate exercises- its really useful knowing what you should and shouldn't do to keep your neck from getting worse. Have you tried heat on your neck? I have an electric back heating pad that has a collar you put around your neck and then another strap around your waist, with a three-level heat control. It can be my best friend some nights.

[Bananas5]

Earthwitch - You said everything I was going to! And don't forget the good old hot water bottle. My dear Mum laims its the cure all.

Sent over some advie on TENS too.

Pat x

[madtabby]

TENS units come with comprehensive instructions so always read it cover to cover !!!! I dont think u can use it directly on the neck but at the base of the neck only !

I love mine , i have ankylosing spondilitis pretty much everywhere. So understand how u feel !!!

Defo ask about the pain clinic n i live for my hot water bottle !!

Hope u find relief soon hun x