TENS MACHINE

[Wezza81]

My mother suffers with heart failure , at the moment she’s suffering bad with sciatica. I took her to the drs today and they’ve told her to try a Tens machine . My question is it safe for her to use with her condition ?

Many thanks

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,I use a TENS machine to help manage my refactory angina.

I checked with my Cardiologist and Physiotherapist first before using the TENS machine.

You can't use a TENS machine if you have a Pacemaker.

I have to stop using my TENS machine when I am in hospital and on continuous cardiac monitoring.

I then have to be given morphine which tells how much a TENS machine helps me.

I hope your mum feels more at ease with less pain soon.

[Deejay62]

I think you can’t use a tens machine if you have a device fitted. I’m sure your doctor should know. My doctor usually check on their system if they’re not sure.

I hope it helps your mum, I get it too and I know how awful it is. All the best to you both

[Jalia]

Surely the Dr would have known before advising using Tens. I have AF and a small degree of heart failure and am currently using a Tens type of device for sciatica. It has proved very helpful. I do hope it helps your mother also.

[Paula233 in reply to Jalia]

You would have thought so but when my doctor wanted to give me a steroid injection in my elbow I asked him was it OK due to my heart condition and he said 'what heart condition?'. Seems they don't always check their notes and as I don't see them often, they don't remember me and my issues!

[Jalia in reply to Paula233]

That's not good but yes , this can happen.

I'm seeing an excellent NHS physiotherapist at the moment as well as using a Tens device. Can you ask for a referral? I got seen within a few days.

[Collectone]

Hi .My cardiologist loaned me a TENS machine to see if it helped with My Angina .

[Comfycousin1]

I use a TENS machine for low back pain having read/heard that it should be OK to use below the waist. I checked with the Cardiac Rehabilitation nurse.I don't have a pacemaker fitted however. I have a stent.

[bridgeit]

Good tens machines can be expensive. I wonder if your mum has seen or considered seeing a good physiotherapist to get some advice on the best stretching exercises to try and free up a trapped sciatic nerve?

I found a link to 3 exercises that I recognize from a physio's advice received years ago recommended here: spine-health.com/blog/3-sim...

Repeat the stretches 3 times each, twice daily.

Avoid online promotions promising to fix lower back pain through 'specially designed' exercise systems in exchange for hard cash.

The most important thing is to keep moving.

I hope your mum finds some relief soon. Sciatica is agonizing but, so I was reliably informed, in many cases resolves by itself within 18 months.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to bridgeit]

My TENS machine which I am using everyday at the moment costs £26. Ongoing yearly costs are;

16 large pads at £14

2 pairs of replacement leads £6

4 USB 9V rechargeable batteries, a one off cost of £21.

[Qualipop]

Yes, as long as the pads are not on near her heart. I was told to use it on my hips and legs and lower spine but not on a collapsed disc mid upper back

[Arrowe]

I have spinal complaints and had previously had some relief from a TENS machine, but as soon as I had a pacemaker fitted, I was told I could no longer use the TENS machine. The pacemaker users brochure also includes the warning that you mustn’t use one. Hope that helps

[Mum-of-2-cats]

Hi, a friend of mine was told that with any heart condition it isnt safe to use a tens machine. She has an aneurysm

[hihannula]

Have her try Kailo Patches. Google on line. They are amazing!

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to hihannula]

Very expensive though.