Gulf Coast Pain Management
Benign Pain

TENS INFORMATION SHEET

PURPOSE

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.  Its purpose is to control chronic pain, acute surgical pain, and labor pain.  A small electronic device is used to send an electrical signal through the skin to the underlying nerves carrying the pain message.  When successful, the TENS will “switch off” the pain message by stimulating certain nerves that override the  pain-carrying nerves (gate control theory) or by stimulating the pain carrying nerves enough to block the pain message. The electrical stimulation activates the body’s own pain-suppressing systems that block pain.

IMPORTANT

DO NOT place electrodes on or near eyes or over the front or side of neck.

DO NOT use a TENS unit if you have a pacemaker unless you have obtained your physician’s approval.

DO NOT place electrodes over your uterus if you are pregnant.

DO NOT make adjustments to your TENS unit while operating a vehicle or equipment because an excessive jolt may cause uncontrolled motion.

HOW TO AVOID SKIN PROBLEMS DURING TENS THERAPY

TENS therapy delivers pain-relieving stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin.  Although skin problems during TENS therapy are rare, undesirable skin reactions can hinder a successful TENS program.  For that reason, proper skin care is especially important during TENS therapy. 

Skin problems associated with TENS therapy fall into three categories: allergic, chemical, and mechanical.

Allergic Reaction

True allergic reactions today are relatively rare.  The development of gentle (hypoallergenic) adhesives has largely eliminated allergic reactions.  A few people are allergic to certain types of gels or adhesives used with TENS.  If an allergic reaction occurs, switching to another gel or electrode may eliminate the problem.

Chemical Reactions

Materials trapped beneath the electrodes, such as soap, alcohol solutions, or cosmetics, usually cause chemical reactions.  Certain tape backings can also worsen these conditions.  In some cases, gel solutions can get into pores of the skin, which increases the potential for chemical reactions.

Thoroughly washing and rinsing the skin before placing the electrodes can often prevent chemical reactions.

Mechanical Reactions

Mechanical reactions are skin problems caused by forceful or improper electrode application and removal.  They are the most common skin problems associated with the electrodes.  To avoid mechanical reactions, take the following precautions:

• When placing electrodes on the skin, apply pressure from the center outward.
  Take care not to stretch the skin or the electrodes during the application.  
  

• Place the electrodes so the body can move and flex normally.  For example, electrodes applied to the lower back should be perpendicular, not parallel,
  to the spine.  
  

• Avoid repeated applications over the same area.  Each time the electrode is replaced, change the application site slightly, if possible.
  

Application sites should be checked periodically for signs of skin irritation. If you have a severe skin reaction, discontinue TENS therapy and consult your physician.