TENS machines
 

Anyone use these? I've had a wrestling related back injury for almost 2 years now and I'm tired of painkillers. My doctor has suggested using one and I'm tempted....

Re: TENS machines
 

My wife used one during her pregancy and she swears by it.

Re: TENS machines
 

My sister uses one for her badly arthritic knee..it helps a lot when she needs to get some sleep at night.

Re: TENS machines
 

They simply block out the pain (if they work). If there is no treatment for the problem that is causing the pain then use a TENS. Otherwise get the problem sorted. Ignoring the pain (which is your bodys warning signal) will often lead to further injury.

Re: TENS machines
 

I've got one (£14.99 in Lloyds Chemist currently) and its quite good for a shoulder injury I sustained in two car accidents. It tends to take your mind off the pain almost immediately, especially if you turn it to maximum power :D

That said, I've had a heavy-going day here (deadlines, deadlines!) so I think i'll be switching mine on and cranking it up tonight! ;)

Re: TENS machines
 

I think that's the one I have my eye on. Isn't maximum power a bit uncomfortable though?

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I got one in cash generator a few months ago, but they are really cheap now anyway. I haven't braved using it yet though! On CF's recommendation I might give it a go tonight :)

Re: TENS machines
 

Yes but it soon makes you forget your pain :D

In all seriousness, i have it set to No.2 or 3 and it goes to 5 - for that price its worth a try. (please note, I don't work for Lloyds ;))

Re: TENS machines
 

Heh heh ok, I'm off out to buy one then :D

Re: TENS machines
 

I have a one with 4 pads. For aching / stiff muscles they can work well. I use mine for pain relief and it's like a massage when on the right settings.

Get the wrong settings and you'll soon know what it's like to be 'tazered' - The main reason I don't use it as much as I should do as now got a bit of a fear / phobia of them.

Re: TENS machines
 

aaaagh ok, you've really put me off now! :shocked:

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Right I've got mine now, I'm about to plug it in, let's have some fun :D

It has settings up to '15', hmmmm...

Re: TENS machines
 

How are you getting on Russ?

Re: TENS machines
 

Try pulse / 15......... :D

Re: TENS machines
 

Enjoy :erm:
Both my wife & I use a tens. Me for lower back pain and er in doors for her fibromyalgia. Helps us both to varying degrees.

Re: TENS machines
 

If his posts use all jumbled up characters, we know number 15 hits the spot :D

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Who'd notice.....

Just plugging it now...

Re: TENS machines
 

Why don't you guys/girls get treatment for the problems and damage that are causing your pains.......rather than simply covering up the pain? :confused:
Badger your GPs for effective treatment (they will offer physio) rather than just pain relief.....

Re: TENS machines
 

I've just finished 13 sessions of physio and manipulation paid for my the insurers of the idiot who crashed into me. I'm back to 80% which unfortunately is as good as I can hope for as my condition is something that will always bother me :rolleyes:

Today has been a stressful day, hence me escaping early to see just a glimpse of the sunshine and to get the TENS machine on to de-stress me.

Re: TENS machines
 

I've tried every medication going, seen every specialist as well, it's an alternative treatment / relief that is just a 'top up' and not an end to a means. But in theory you're right, but in practise... you're way out.

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OK well it's pulsating away, I've put it on setting 6 (out of 15) and that feels manageable for now, It automatically cuts out after 15 minutes so I'll see how it goes.

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For me its a life long problem and no amount of physio has helped therefore when its painful tens helps, that along with codine phosphate & alcohol :sleep: As for my wife google fibromyalgia and have a read, there is no cure from the constant muscle and joint pain and the only relief she gets is with high strenght tabs, sauna's & tens.

Re: TENS machines
 

Possibly, but perhaps you just haven't had the problem treated correctly?

---------- Post added at 17:11 ---------- Previous post was at 17:09 ----------

Like I said in my first post, TENS has it's place if the problem causing the pain cannot be treated (or if the problem is self limiting).
Sorry to hear about you both being in that much pain m8 :(

Re: TENS machines
 

A kidney transplant may work.

Re: TENS machines
 

If thats what you need then keep badgering them for it. Are you on the waiting list?

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No I can't just yet as they are still only 'just' working so I can't apply just yet. A matter of time though maybe (hopefuly not though).

Re: TENS machines
 

Gah, good luck m8 :(

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Just finished the session, my back feels...I don't know, different. Not sure I'd happy about having a match anytime soon but the pain certainly feels 'managed' :)

Re: TENS machines
 

The machines are getting cheaper... replacement pads aren't!!!

Re: TENS machines
 

Here's a repeat of my post from the previous TENS machine thread

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/22...s-machine.html

I used one when in labour with my 4th child. Found it uncomfortable as I kept putting it too high and ended jumping all over the bed (funny now, not at the time)

I knew a guy in college who used one for lower back and leg pain.
We were sat in class one afternoon and he jumps out his chair, gets this horrified look on his face and starts desperately trying to put his hand down his trousers, while twitching like a madman, then runs out the room by which time I'm in hysterical laughter.
He came back 5 mins later and explained one of the pads had slipped and stuck to a testicle!!
I thought I was going to die from laughter, one of the funniest things I've ever seen.
Yes, he still uses it.

Re: TENS machines
 

i will b honest with u, i injured my back when i was 11 at school, i was jumped by 2 bullies and had the hell kicked out of me and it popped a disk in my spine and injured my colar bone. 3 years later i was told Osteo Arthritis had kicked in and 4 years after that i started getting sciatica. Im now almost 28 and have 5 discs gone in my spine and Osteo Arthritis throughout my spine and im in agony 24/7. I have tried the tens machine and to start off it did help but over time the affects wore off with me and it was no help what so ever.