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Has anyone used TENS units for chronic pain?

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 11/2/2017 2:03 PM (GMT -5)
I've been looking at TENS units that will help me with my chronic pain, but I don't want to shell out so much money without hearing from others first. Has anyone else tried it before? If so, please let me know what you though.

I was looking for a unit. Is anyone familiar with them??



Jason, I had to remove your link as it is against the rules of Healing Well. The rules are located at the top on the right. Thanks.

Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 11/2/2017 2:56:31 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 11/2/2017 3:09 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Jason.

First, I bought one of the "Icy Hot" units and I liked that it helped my lower back pain and shoulder pain, but, I'm tiny and it didn't quite position exactly where I needed it.

Then, I 'invested' in a 4 lead unit I found at my local pharmacy. It's battery operated and I can clip it to a pocket and move around with it on without any problems. The wires are pretty long so I bunch them up and use a bread bag type twist tie so they won't get caught on things. I made sure my pharmacy also sells replacement pads for the unit I bought. Mine haven't worn out yet, but I wanted to be sure!

The one I bought was around $85 and well worth it for me. I use less medication now.
Posted 11/2/2017 4:42 PM (GMT -5)
I've used a TENS unit for years. Thankfully, insurance covered mine.

Are you in PT? I was putting the pads in areas in where I thought would be the best locations. Apparently, the placements were not in the most effective areas. If you are seeing a pain doc, he/she could probably help you with the most effective placements, as well.

I love my TENS unit, and I hope you will, too.
Posted 11/3/2017 3:51 PM (GMT -5)
I've found a TENS To be very helpful for muscle tension/pain from my cervical/thoracic scoliosis.

You can get an excellent unit via Amazon (TENS 7000), for just $30.


I personally prefer the dial vs. the buttons for controlling the unit as I like to ramp the current up and down to deal with muscle tension. You can get a TENS 3000 for about $15 via quite a few websites, though Amazon's TENS 3000 is $27:


Amazon prices for TENS pads are pretty good.... e.g.:


I recommend as well some rechargeable 9volts... get 600mah or higher...



Cogito, I have removed your direct links. Please see rule #4 on this. There is enough info left in your post if anyone is interested they can do a search to find the products.

Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 11/3/2017 4:15:24 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 11/8/2017 6:40 PM (GMT -5)
I got my TENS free from my insurance, but that was years ago. They also paid for replacement pads, which is nice because pads wear out. Make sure whatever one you get you can easily get replacement pads!

Now that I'm on Medicare I don't know if insurance would pay for the unit or not. Doesn't matter though because units are easy to find on Amazon, in pharmacies, and they're pretty cheap. Don't get one that doesn't have replaceable pads though.

These things are great on muscle spasms, like lower back area. I like mine when I have to drive a long way. I haven't found any relief at all for arthritis though. Think how they work. They send an electrical signal from one pad to the other.
Posted 11/9/2017 1:28 AM (GMT -5)
I think it uses the "Gate Theory". You brain can only receive so many signals at once, and the electrical signals block out the pain signals.

Could be wrong, but it sounds good smile
Posted 11/10/2017 12:31 AM (GMT -5)
Gate theory, yes.

But, I find its main benefit to break through muscle tension.

My left traps lock up in spasm. I use the tens by cranking current up & down, spasm, release, again and again for a few minutes.

After, my muscles are more relaxed.

I wonder as well if there's a way to help with trigger points.
Posted 11/12/2017 12:15 AM (GMT -5)
my physio recommended tens. the one mentioned has 9v battery, thus long lasting. best for under 50. many reputable sites agree.
Posted 11/19/2017 4:32 PM (GMT -5)
Hi, I have used a tens unit for years for a chronic back injury. Mine was not covered by ins. It is a standard 2 lead. With reusable patches. I paid $300 for mine about ten yrs ago, however now if you do a little looking on line you can find them for under $50. The important thing is that you have the ablity to not only control the time it runs for but also the intensity along with the type of pulse. The good ones should come with about 6 different types of pulses or stimulators. Your nerves will stop responding to the same stimulation after while. Also check into how to use Rock Tape. That is surprisingly helpful for chronic pain. If you are in chronic nerve pain I know of a pain cream that is out of this world awesome for it. There are essential oils that directly target nerve pain. I have Fibromyagia as well and i use this cream everyday. But I don't want to over step my bounds on here.
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