Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

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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.[1][2]

Theory[edit | edit source]

Evidence[edit | edit source]

TENS is a well-established treatment for chronic pain and pain during childbirth.[1]

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.<ref name="PMC2746624":>

Clinicians[edit | edit source]

Risks and safety[edit | edit source]

Costs and availability[edit | edit source]

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

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

  • TENS - Health Guide (Australia)

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 "TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)". HealthDirect Australia. August 14, 2020. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
  2. DeSantana, Josimari M.; Walsh, Deirdre M.; Vance, Carol; Rakel, Barbara A.; Sluka, Kathleen A. (December 2008). "Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Hyperalgesia and Pain". Current rheumatology reports. 10 (6): 492–499. ISSN 1523-3774. PMC 2746624. PMID 19007541.