Expert Advice   Print Version Q. My friend told me about a TENS unit she uses for her back pain. What is a TENS unit, and will it work for me? A. TENS is an abbreviation for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. This can be applied using a small, pocket-sized electrical stimulation unit. It can be used up to 24 hours a day if needed to help control pain. It is usually issued by a physical therapist but only if you haven't found other ways to take care of pain. Also, a prescription from your doctor is required for you to use one of these units on your own. This treatment stimulates nerves by sending an electrical current gently through your skin. Some people say it feels sort of like a massage on their skin. Electrical stimulation can ease pain by sending impulses that are felt instead of pain. Two respected scientists discovered a theory, called the Gate Theory. This theory says that when you feel a sensation other than pain, like rubbing, massage, or even a mild electrical impulse, your spinal column will actually "close the gate" and not let pain impulses pass to the brain. In the case of electrical stimulation, the electrical impulses speed their way across the skin and on to the central nervous system much faster than pain. By getting there first, the electrical information "closes the gate" to pain, blocking its passage to the brain. Once the pain eases, muscles that are in spasm begin to relax, letting you move and exercise with less discomfort. Other settings on the unit can be used to help your body release endorphins. These are natural chemicals formed within your body that behave like a strong drug in reducing the perception of pain for up to eight hours at a time. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Home | Articles | Expert Advice | Medical Professionals | Topic Centers | Locator | Glossary | Search | Contact Us

© DePuy Spine, Inc. 2003-2009. All rights reserved. This site is owned and published by DePuy Spine, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site is intended for residents of the U.S. only. For more information see our Privacy Policy and Legal Notice.