Do any of you use TENS machines?

[SierraJulietGolf]

At a pain management appointment it was suggested that I could try a tens machine. I’ve got quite bad osteoarthritis in my neck and back and a couple of unstable joints which sometimes send the muscles around them into spasm when they shift out of alignment. Has anyone used a TENS machine and if so do you find it helps your pain?

It helped me during Labour

I used one when I did a disc in my lower back a couple of years ago. Would definitely recommend. I'm not sure you are supposed to use them on your neck though.

I used one for a disc prolapse. It was amazing

Yes when my back goes into spasm. If you get the pads in the right spot it's a game changer. I can't find one that stays on longer than 30 minutes though, my old Lloyds one stayed on for hours so i could actually sleep.

I used one in labour, I was cynical but it worked surprisingly well in the early stages. It was also good for the after pains.

I used one in the past for a slipped disc and arthritis but I thought it was crap. It was just a distraction while it was on but didn't actually make a difference. How people find they work during labour is beyond me!

I hired one from Boots I think years ago and it got me through labour as no one at the hospital offered me anything else. It definitely helped and was a good distraction too

DH uses one for back pain and finds that it helps a lot.

@Brokenrecord3006

I used one in the past for a slipped disc and arthritis but I thought it was crap. It was just a distraction while it was on but didn't actually make a difference. How people find they work during labour is beyond me!

When I used one in labour I thought it wasn't working until I took it off to have a shower. I then realised that it had been working.

I am really sceptical ElephantandGrasshopper which is why I posted but judging from the replies it sounds to be well worth trying. I will look into whether you can use it near the neck though the main pain in that area is at the very top of my back in the middle rather than my actual neck so maybe that’s ok. I’ll have to find out. It’s really helpful getting the opinions of people who have actually used one.

I have a neurological disorder which makes my muscles spasm and we are told not to use TENS on affected muscles. But I have used EMS on my thighs to combat muscle wastage, and I also used TENS during labour.

It takes some practice to put the electrodes in the right place. Start off at the lowest setting and very gradually increase the intensity, you will start to feel a buzzing sensation. Keep raising the dial and eventually it will start to feel a bit 'prickly' (almost like you are being whipped with stinging nettles, but a lot less unpleasant). Try to relax and go with it. It might also help if you can watch TV to take your mind off it.

Don't raise the dial so high that its unpleasant, because that will just put you off using it. Its better to go a notch lower, and use it as often as you can. I found it beneficial and wish I could still do it.

I use one on my knee.
I have arthritis. I have found it useful. Same for a buggered L5/S1 joint in my back

I’ve use one for back/sciatica issues and I found it great and it really helped me. I’ve got 2 - one is an own brand Lloyds one and the other is another make they sell that had more pads and some of them heated up as well, I love that one! I was under the impression that they had a bit cumulative effect, not so much giving pain relief when they are not on, but working better and better with regular use and the effects lasting longer. But that could be rubbish. However I did really find them worth it.

I’m really glad they are helping those who have rated them. I’m going to get one. I’m finding it difficult to manage some of the most painful trouble spots and painkillers do very little. Thanks for your help everyone.

Did you get a TENS machine in the end @SierraJulietGolf? My physiotherapist has recommended I get one for my lumbar spine but there are so many different types out there!

£30 off amazon, light and easy to use I would definitely recommend.