tens unit with vasospasm/unstable angina

[Andy5S]

I have recently been looking at using a tens unit to help with unstable angina pain. I know it does not work for everyone but figured I would try. However it seems a bit difficult to get info on exactly where to place the electrodes.

Does anyone have some input on where they are placed. There seems to be some warnings about not putting near the heart so it does not interfere. Where else would you put it though. I see many studies on this so clearly this has been used for many years now for refractory angina. Anyway thanks for any guidance.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello,

I have used a Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS machine for many years.

I used a TENS machine during my three labours, so was familiar with their use.

I checked with my Cardiologist and Physiotherapist that it was safe for me to use a TENS machine.

You can't use a TENS machine during continuous cardiac monitoring or when having an ECG, as the TENS machine interfers with the monitoring.

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

The TENS machine works by reducing the pain signals travelling along the nerves from the heart to the spinal nerve as well as stimulating the body to produce endorphins, natural pain relief.

The nerves carrying the pain signals enter the spinal nerve in the lower cervical and upper thoracic region of the spinal column.

For this reason, just like women in labour I put the TENS pads on my back. I also use the larger pads used by women in labour.

I place four pads, a couple of inches either side of my spine. The upper pads are above my bra line, near my shoulder blade. The lower two, I place below my bra line, just at my lower ribs.

I use my TENS machine over night during unstable phases of my vasospastic angina.

I also use a TENS machine, during severe episodes of coronary vasospasms, along with hot water bottles, breathing and relaxation techniques.

After alot of use my skin gets irritated and sore. When this happens, I know it's time to go to hospital.

The other time I need to go to hospital, is if the TENS no longer relieves my pain.

When I am in hospital my coronary vasospasms are treated with IV nitrates and IV morphine.

Using my TENS machine keeps me out of hospital.

TENS machine with large pads

[Andy5S in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks, I will give that a try in that area of back. That is where 90% of my angina feels like it comes from with occasional in the front or radiating down left arm/shoulder.