Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
V
Veronica91 Asked July 2015

Does anyone have any experience with TENS?

I have just been evaluated and lent a TENs machine to try and help with my 4 yr old ongoing shingles pain.
So far it seems to be helping. If it has helped others do you need to keep using it regularily or just when the pain comes back.
I would be very interested to hear the experience of others and what kind of pain it has helped the most. Right now this one is neurological but I have a whole shopping list of others.

lizzywho61 Sep 2017
I was prescribed a TENS for muscle spasms in my back right below my shoulder blades. The TENS was the only thing that helped. I did wear the unit constantly for a while.

So sorry about your Shingles. They are horrible. The nerve pain can be excruciating and can remain after the rash clears. Hoping you find relief soon!

pamzimmrrt Sep 2017
I had TENS with PT for a frozen shoulder,, I loved it and it made all the other stuff worthwhile. Enjoy and use as needed

ADVERTISEMENT


Sendhelp Sep 2017
Undergoing tens with ultrasound at physical therapy now, for the past several weeks.
When the PT doctor places the leads, I get more relief, than if, say, for example, a tech places the leads. But they are good techs.
One tech misplaced a lead over a nerve, leading to increased pain, so I wasn't liking it at first.
It does help.
Aleve now sells a home unit, battery operated. Going to try it again.

There are medications for nerve pain....Lyrica (pregabalin?) and Neurontin (gabapentin)
comes to mind, but I could be wrong.
Maybe ice could also help the pain of shingles?

Sharadale Jul 2015
I own a TENS machine that is portable and battery operated. I have had a lot of success in the past for my back, but it irritates my shoulder and neck when I have used it there.

Coloresue Jul 2015
I use my TENS unit only when I have pain...neuropathy or muscle pain. I didn't own it when I had shingles. Four years sounds extremely long. My shingles was severely painful but lasted maybe 3 months and maybe only 1 month was very bad. The TENS unit helps but doesn't necessarily get rid of all the pain, just as GardenArtist noted. I hope you are better very soon.

GardenArtist Jul 2015
I've used it on several occasions when I've had therapy for knee injuries. It was absolutely wonderful! The deeper stimulation relieved pain so effectively. At one point I considered getting one for myself, and probably should have.

I've also had ultrasound and of course PT, but for me PT with TENS and U/S is the best combination.

Using it for shingles isn't a use with which I'm familiar and that's a different kind and source of pain.

For me it wasn't a question of being able to use it continuously as the equipment was only available when I had PT.

I'm wondering though why your shingles pain is "ongoing". Have you actually had it for 4 years? That's really a long time for Shingles, which I understood generally wasn't ongoing for that long a period. That must be debilitating.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter