![]() These are pain relieving chemicals the body makes itself. Then there’s the concept of endogenous opioids as pain relief. TENS machines may close the ‘gates’ at certain parts of the spinal cord so fewer ‘danger’ impulses reach the brain. The fewer danger impulses that reach the brain, the less pain you are likely to feel. So if the TENS machine can stimulate enough of these sensory nerves in your skin, it will block at least some of these danger impulses from reaching the brain. These sensory signals can close the “gates” at certain parts of the spinal cord. These sensory nerves also send signals to your brain, but faster than the danger ones. TENS machines, especially at high frequency (greater than 50 pulses per second), tend to stimulate sensory nerves (the ones in your skin). If these gates are closed, these impulses can’t reach the brain as easily. When these gates are open, nerves can transmit these danger impulses up the spinal cord to the brain where they may be interpreted as “pain”. The gate control theory of pain says the spinal cord has “gates” that can be open or closed. Sensory nerves in your skin transmit information about things such as touch and pressure. Nociceptors are nerves that send “danger” impulses about actual or potential tissue damage. There are likely many different pathways.įirst, we need to first talk about different types of nerves. The exact mechanisms of how TENS works to reduce pain is still unclear. You place two sticky pads on your tummy or lower back. This is because some nerves near your tailbone also affect the pelvic area. You can also place the pads on your lower back or even on your tailbone (sacrum). So for period pain that’s usually at or below the level of the belly button but above the pubic region. You generally place these pads where the pain is. These pulses are transmitted through the surface of the skin via the sticky pads. Most people with endometriosis report major issues with getting adequate pain relief.įrom sharp butt pains to period poos: 5 lesser-known menstrual cycle symptomsĪll TENS-based devices generate small electrical pulses that feel a little like mild electrical shocks. Half of people with period pain say over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen doesn’t get rid of their period pain. It’s easy to see why devices like these might be popular. They’re fairly simple to use, portable, you can use them at home, and they cost around A$50-200. However, these latest devices are compact and easy to wear discretely compared to the older models. They’ve been around since the 1970s and have been used for a variety of painful conditions, from muscular injuries to pain relief in labour. In other words, they apply small electrical pulses across the skin to stimulate certain types of nerves. ![]() These devices use “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation”, better known as TENS.
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