Relieve Neck Pain using a TENS Machine

Neck pain or cervical pain is very common among adults. In fact, up to 1 in 5 individuals are experiencing neck pain right now, with 54% of people have had neck pain in the last 6 months. (1) Prevalence is higher in women compared to men, and peaks around 45 years of age. (2)

A good percentage neck pain is caused by “text neck”; a term recently coined to describe repetitive strain injuries in the neck area that have become more common with the use of smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Risk factors for neck pain are similar to those of other musculoskeletal injuries and conditions and include genetics, psychological factors (such as depression, anxiety, poor coping skills), sleep disorders, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Risk factors specific for neck pain include trauma (traumatic brain injury, car accident/whiplash) and sports injuries such as direct injury/trauma to the neck and/or concussion.

Cervical pain is usually treated with painkillers. However, fortunately, there’s another way to relieve this pain without medications: TENS Machines.

TENS Machines have been successfully used to treat cervical pain. They work by generating a small pulse that goes to the patient through electrodes. These pulses progresively diminish the transmission of pain along nerves. They also cause the body to release endorphins, that relieve pain in a natural, drug-free fashion.

Here are the simple steps to using your TENS Machine for Neck pain:

1. Make sure the machine is switched off;

2. Clean the skin with an alcohol-free or alcohol wipe;

3. Place the gel pads on the lower backside of the neck. Place two more electrodes above or beside the shoulder blades on either side of your spine. Either run them parallel (as indicated below) or cross one channel over the other;

   

   4. Choose an appropriate program. Most devices will have specific programs for neck pain. A Modulating TENS program will normally be beneficial.

   5. Begin the treatment by turning on the machine and increasing the intensity to a level which is comfortable but stimulation is felt;

   6. Programs will normally run for 30 to 40 minutes and can be repeated as frequently as needed. It is suggested to use it for a minimum of two or three times a day.

   There are many benefits of using a TENS machine. It is a drug-free treatment that is very well-tolerated. Also, electrical stimuli have been proven to make the affliction more manageable and/or make it completely disappear over time.

   For more information visit: https://www.tensmachinesaustralia.com.au/

   Or call us for more information on 1300 361222

   Check the precautions before using a TENS device and always consult with your doctor if pain persists.

   (1) https://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.2008.0303
   (2) https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Epidemiology_of_Neck_Pain&oldid=196574