Tens machines

[KatKit21]

I was diagnosed with AF a few weeks ago.I also have a lot of arthritis in my spine shoulders etc This may be a silly question, but will it still be ok to use my tens machine or would it affect my AF.?

[Comfycousin1]

I don't have AF but I do have low back pain. I was told using a TENS machine below the waist was OK but not above. I'm certainly no expert though. I thought it was pacemakers that it might affect.

[KatKit21 in reply to Comfycousin1]

Ah thanks for that Comfycousin1 it makes sense !

[Comfycousin1 in reply to KatKit21]

Please do check though. I'm no expert. Its horrid to be in pain when a TENS machine could help.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

I use a TENS machine, my pads are on my upper and middle back, either side of my spine.

I checked with my Cardiologist that it would be okay, before using the TENS machine.

I can't use my TENS machine when I am in hospital on continuous cardiac monitoring as it interfers with the ECG reading.

You can't use a TENS machine with a pacemaker either.

[KatKit21 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks Milkfairy that is sound advice.

[Blackknight57]

if you have implants no. Cardio says ok until procedure. Safest way to control pain is paracetamol.

[KatKit21 in reply to Blackknight57]

Thank you

[MoretonCross in reply to Blackknight57]

Although paracetamol can't do what a TENS machine can do. And, of course, paracetamol is far from safe if you accidentally exceed the dose, which is not difficult to do.

[KatKit21 in reply to MoretonCross]

Thank you.

[Blackknight57 in reply to MoretonCross]

Indeed ,No more that 8 in 24 hours.

But tens machines can upset implants, if you have them.

If you haven’t got implants then carry on as usual.

[Vrouse]

I use a TENS machine frequently on my hip. I have permanent AF.

[KatKit21 in reply to Vrouse]

I'm thinking it's OK.Thanks Vrouse

[Frootbat]

I have upper back pain, luckily not all the time. I use a TENS for years and it’s a life saver for me. It’s never set off my PAF. That’s my experience. I have not asked a doctor.

[KatKit21 in reply to Frootbat]

Thanks Frootbat

[KatKit21]

Thank you everyone for your replies. What a caring group you are!