Although a doctor must approve any medical procedure, many doctors consider a TENS machine to be a better option than strong pain relievers for elderly patients. Instead of relying on a cocktail of prescription drugs to relieve body pain, the TENS procedure can effectively reduce and even eliminate pain.
What is TENS treatment?
TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. When using a TENS machine, patients apply self-adhesive electrodes to areas of the body affected by pain. The electrodes deliver a small amount of electrical stimulation, which affects the nerves that send pain signals to the brain. A TENS treatment can often relieve pain for a few days.
Using TENS to relieve pain
People who want instant pain relief can use the TENS procedure to quickly reduce or eliminate pain. It’s a great option for seniors who need to take pain relievers every day. Pain medications can have a negative effect on the body, while a TENS treatment is perfectly safe for most people. Instead of taking a variety of potentially harmful medications, people can simply use a TENS machine to deliver electrical pulses to affected areas of the body. Similar treatments have been used for many centuries. The ancient Greeks, for example, used electric eels to eliminate bodily pain.
Is TENS safe for everyone?
Since TENS treatment involves an electrical current that stimulates nerve activity, it is not safe for everyone. Some people have adverse reactions to even the slightest electrical pulses. Men or women who have a pacemaker should never use TENS for pain relief because the electrical pulses can interfere with the lifesaving mechanism. Anyone who has a weak heart or a heart defect should not use the machine. People who have seizures should not use TENS because the electrical current can trigger a seizure. When trying any new pain treatment, including TENS, people should consult their doctor to determine if they are a good candidate. A doctor considers the patient’s current health as well as her medical history.
Elderly and TENS units
In most cases, older patients can safely use the TENS electrical stimulation method to reduce or eliminate pain. Older people who no longer want to rely on different pain relievers to feel better should consider trying a TENS treatment. The procedure has helped many people eliminate pain so that they can complete their daily activities without taking pain medication. The TENS procedure is very simple and provides immediate results.
