Are Tens machines safe?

[Kitten-whiskers]

Hello everyone,

just a quick question about Tens machines, I bought one for the Fibro pain which is all over the body.

When I read the instructions their was a long list of what you can't do with it and where you can't put it because it can cause heart attacks.

Has anyone had any experience with these?

Thank you : >

[humanbean]

I've got a tens machine but I've never had a heart attack. I haven't used it for years though. I do very vaguely remember reading about it must not be used across the heart? Or the neck? I really can't remember the details. But if you obey the instructions they are really helpful and I had no problems with mine.

[Kitten-whiskers in reply to humanbean]

Thank you Humanbean,

Can their be long term effects with the nerves after them recieving these shocks?

[humanbean in reply to Kitten-whiskers]

The tens machine I have allows me to alter the amount of sensation I get from it. The idea is not for it to be painful. The idea is for it to distract the brain and muddle the nerves so that they don't transmit the pain that you are trying to treat.

The whole effect is temporary. It had no long-term effect on me at all, and I certainly wasn't damaged by it.

TENS Machines were first developed in the 70s, and are used by (among others) women in labour. I don't think you have anything to worry about if you use the machine correctly. If they were dangerous I think it would have been discovered by now. So please don't panic or worry about it.

[Kitten-whiskers in reply to humanbean]

Thank you Humanbean - that has really helped : > - I will start using it tomorrow night when I get home from work

[Treepie]

Follow the instructions and you will have no problems. Have not used mine for a long time .Helped for some pains but not others. NHS physios seem to use them ,they can then do several patients at once and avoid hands on which I prefer.

[Kitten-whiskers in reply to Treepie]

Thank you Treepie,

I will follow the instructions : >

[SharonH]

Provided you follow the instructions TENS machines are very safe and can be very effective. Humanbean is correct, the electrodes should not be placed across the heart or neck.

[Kitten-whiskers in reply to SharonH]

Thank you Sharon : >

[Jackie]

Hi They are safe but not with any heart problems, especially not with a pace maker or ICD.

Jackie

[Kitten-whiskers in reply to Jackie]

Hello Jackie,

It's great to hear from you, I guess that means you are not in hospital now.

I hope you are doing really well.

I do have a high pulse rate and irratic breathing but no know heart problems : >

[Jackie in reply to Kitten-whiskers]

Hi Yes I am home again, thanks. I personally would not risk the tens in that case as you could have Atrial Fibrillation.

Jackie

[Heloise]

Hi Kitten, I like using mine. I think it's meant to be used along the spine probably because the pain impulses are headed to the brain since your spinal chord is an extension of the brain. Chronic pain brings on a desperate attempt to find an answer. Since you have fibro, have you looked at the methylation problem? Maybe you are way ahead of me but lately I've been looking at the possibility that it may be the cause of chronic pain and not just the thyroid problem. If curious:

suzycohen.com/articles/meth...

[Kitten-whiskers]

Hello Heloise,

Thank you for the information, I had not heard of that one but will certainly have a look.

I was talking to a lady the other day who told me that the latest fibro brake though had happened - something to do with the nerves in your hand - I haven't had time to look - but I don't think that is what is causing mine, I was not born with fibro, it tied in with the hashi's but that said, their is often a nugget of information to be found in such material.

[Barb1949]

Kitten Whiskers

I have been using TENS machines since the mid 80's. I have a Degenerative Disease of the Spine and am in constant pain. These machines have been a godsend to me. My latest one is digital and very small but still has four pads and is fully adjustable as to the strength. I was first introduced to the machine by physios treating a slipped disc. I wouldn't be without mine, it means far less medication with all its side effects.

I hope you are finding yours helpful.

Barb

[Kitten-whiskers in reply to Barb1949]

Hello Barb,

Thank you for reply, it is very reassuring. So sorry to hear how poorly you are : <. That is great the Tens machine has helped you so much. The one I purchased was the Digital three in one with massage and relaxation settings.

It is not very big, and has 44 settings - so hopefully it will be brilliant : >

Best wishes

Debs