Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves using a mild, low voltage electric current to treat pain. It can be used to treat some types of pain in multiple sclerosis, such as:
- burning, tingling or shooting pains where there is no obvious reason
- back pain - often caused by reduced mobility or poor posture;
- spasticity and painful leg spasms, where anti-spasmodic medications are not tolerated.
TENS can reduce pain in the short-term but does not get rid of the pain or the underlying problem permanently. Often TENS is something that needs to be used on a long-term basis, but it can improve quality of life and reduce the need to take pain medications.
A TENS machine is a small battery operated unit that delivers a small current through electrically conductive pads that are applied to the skin. A buzzing, prickling or tingling sensation is felt when the TENS machine is switched on. It is portable and should not restrict your activity in any way except when showering, swimming and in some instances, when driving. Your skin is not pierced or broken by a TENS machine.
TENS machines typically have two modes:
- a continuous mode, which produces a continuous tingling sensation
- a burst mode (also known as acupuncture TENS) in which a pulsing sensation is experienced.
You can buy TENS machines from high street chemists, but ideally you should have the proper use of a TENS machine demonstrated by a trained healthcare professional before you buy one. That way you will be able to to determine its suitability for you, and get the most benefit from using it. The healthcare professional will be able to advise on the most appropriate settings to use for the type of pain you experience, as well as the best position for the pads.
Many pain clinics, physiotherapy departments and some GP surgeries have machines that can be borrowed or hired to determine whether TENS works for you before buying your own machine.
