Tens machine for spinal pressure fractures

[Heleniumand]

Hi, I think I acquired my 7th fracture yesterday and I’d forgotten how bad the pain can be. Has anyone used a Tens Machine for this pain ? I’d like to hear your experiences with them before I buy one. Thanks

[Fruitandnutcase]

I first used one back in the 1980s when I had a couple of herniated discs. It was an old fashioned one with a battery pack and wires. I didn’t find it any help at all. I still had the pain but I also had the annoying electrical twinges from the TENS machine. In the end I had a couple of steroid epidurals which fixed the pain.

In January 2000 when I fractured both bones in my wrist I tried it again, this time a modern version without the wires - easier to wear but it still didn't help so for me it was a waste of money.

I know there are many people who like TENS machines but they didn’t work for me. What I did find helped a lot but which unfortunately has now doubled in price was a PEMF mat.

newmedltd.co.uk/products/om...

There are a few contraindications and you need to be able to lie flat on your back on a firm surface. Using that I was able to massively reduce the painkillers I was taking when I had a nasty accident and fractured my sacrum four years ago.

[love42france in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I find it useful but forget to use it.

[Sleeplessinlife]

I bought a tens machine, for my pain , it did nothing. I've tried it a few times since my vertebral fractures, acute phase and now chronic phase. I find it more irritable than helpful. Others may gave different experiences. Trial and error lots of the time. Hope you find relief soon

[hjskev]

I don't know if I have fractures in my back but I do regularly get back pain and use a tens machine. The one I have is oldish and has wires. I think you can get them without now which would be better. I find it helpful. It doesn't cure anything but gives me some relief and a break from the pain. I can wear it in bed and it allows me to get off to sleep which is a blessing. They cost under £25 which is well worth it for me. My friend who does have fractured vertebra got one on the NHS.

[Biofreak]

When I fractured my sacrum in 2 places I found the tens machine I bought was a great help. I bought a relatively cheap one from Lloyds Pharmacy for about £10. It comes with a little booklet which advised where to put the pads depending on where the fracture is.

[Nottinghamryan2]

I bought a tens machine online many years ago and still use it regularly, I’ve replaced the stick on pads just once. It works well for muscle spasms and nerve pain , they are very safe and drug free, only contraindications I know of is that you can’t use one in the bath or if you have a pacemaker fitted , effective pain relief is as individual as we are ourselves,

Good luck with your decision.

[Heleniumand in reply to Nottinghamryan2]

Thanks Nottinghamryan2

[Olliemaya]

On this forum I have read a lot about people having fractures. Will I know If I have one as I am terrified incase I do something that causes me to have one. I have a sore of -4in my spine and so far I haven't broken any bones but reading that you dnt need to have a fall to have a fracture

[Heleniumand in reply to Olliemaya]

yes, you’ll know if you have one. I got my first 4 (altogether) by pulling myself up on a high stile. It was too high and it put too much pressure on my spine. I felt no pain that day, but I did the next day. I thought I’d damaged muscles and so did the GP. After a couple of weeks I asked for an X-ray. Meanwhile I took painkillers.

At first it’s very painful so ask for an X-ray. Meanwhile go the The royal osteoporosis website and get lots of information and help from there.

Try not to worry, having Osteoporosis doesn’t mean that you’re automatically going to have spinal fractures, and you can learn how to try and avoid them - good luck

[Paininneck]

I have found the tens machine very helpful for back pain due to spinal fractures.It doesn't cure the pain but gives another sensation that distracts from the pain. It was not so good for neck and shoulder pain due to Cervical Spondylosis.