Off Topic Post (TENS Unit)

[kempo]

I am looking for a TENS unit and I know very little about them. I know some of you have used a TENS unit for restless legs. I have back trouble. Spondylolisthesis in my lower back which has given me pain in my butt, hips, and legs for the past four years. I am trying to avoid surgery.

Would this be a good unit: http://www.otcwholesale.com/ultima-20.html

[LoQ]

I don't know anything about TENS, but there was quite an extensive discussion last year that might be helpful to you:
viewtopic.php?t=56630

[Julie]

Hi, I suggest you call Medtronics and ask about their units because they've been state of the art for many years. Then you'll have something to go by when looking at other units and a better idea about what questions to ask.

[Mary Z]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding of a TENS unit is that it only works when you've got it on.

[DoriC]

Search for kteague's posts on TENS. Or I don't think she'd mind if you sent her a PM.

[kempo]

Search for kteague's posts on TENS. Or I don't think she'd mind if you sent her a PM.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Dori I will look for Kteague's post, thanks.

Today the pain was not that bad. Some days I am misersable. I am willing to try just about anything except surgery. I had neck surgery six years ago and it didn't help. Just looking for something that would help on the bad days.

[imsleepynomore]

I use a Tens unit frequently for back pain and my hubby uses it on occasion as well when i use it i put it on for 2 hours at a time this helps L 5 disk bulging and cortisone injections when the Tens doesn't stop back pain have been using a year with good relief

[kempo]

I use a Tens unit frequently for back pain and my hubby uses it on occasion as well when i use it i put it on for 2 hours at a time this helps L 5 disk bulging and cortisone injections when the Tens doesn't stop back pain have been using a year with good relief

What kind of tens unit do you use?

[idamtnboy]

I am looking for a TENS unit and I know very little about them. I know some of you have used a TENS unit for restless legs. I have back trouble. Spondylolisthesis in my lower back which has given me pain in my butt, hips, and legs for the past four years. I am trying to avoid surgery.

My wife used one for a year or two about 10 years ago for pain. It helped quite a bit but there were two problems. One is, with continuous use you can build up a tolerance for the the shock so that you have to keep increasing the shock strength. Eventually the machine reaches its max output and then it loses its effectiveness. If you can by using it only intermittently that may not be a problem. The second problem was skin sensitivity. Her skin reacted to the chemical of of the electrode pads, even the mildest ones. She eventually ran out of skin area in the body regions where the shock needed to be. It seemed that once she reacted no length of time would allow the skin to desensitize.

They're a great unit, and I'm sure the technology has improved, so give it a try.

[aka fuzzy96]

i use one made by empi . i have the select model. small but effective. uses 2 aa batteries amd battery life is outstanding. the electrodes (pads) are the expensive part. most insurances will cover if for back pain with a script from the dr. wife has the "cadilac" model it uses rechargeable packs that came with it. but it is big n bulky.

[kempo]

idamtnboy, I would only use it when the pain is really bad. Fuzzy I'll take a look at the empi TENS. Thank you both for your reply.

I went on a 200 mile ride today on my Harley. It was a perfect day for riding. Sunny and 70 degrees. My back gave me no problems. Some times I think back pains are more psychological than physical.

[TimWK]

I use a Mettler Trio Stim which i have used for several years. it has two separate channels to accommodate 4 pads. The unit has provided many hours of therapy.

Best Regards

[DreamDiver]

I've been considering getting a TENS unit myself. Now I have some real research leads. Thanks!
Anyone have any clue how well this might work for alpha intrusions - (Fibromyalgia-like pain)?