Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a treatment that aims to relieve or reduce pain by using eletrodes attached to the skin in order to stimulate nerves. No drugs or injections are involved in TENS.

Evidence
TENS is a well-established treatment for chronic pain and pain during childbirth.

A recent review found evidence for the effectiveness of TENS for mechanical hyperalgesia, and there is limited evidence from an animal study that it may help allodynia. Particular localization pain conditions such as chronic lower back pain have less evidence for the use of TENS.

Costs and availability
Very widely available, and TENS machines can also be bought for home use in most countries.

Learn more

 * TENS - Health Guide (Australia)