Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS

I exercise, and following a low-fat vegetarian diet all have been shown to reduce the intensity of the dysmenorrhea.17,28 Dietary changes also may shorten the duration of dysmenorrhea. These interventions require little time and minimal cost and are associated with little risk. Other nonpharmacologic options that may be considered before or, in most cases, after a trial of pharmacologic interventions include the use of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS), acupressure, and acupuncture.17... 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] Decreased pain Opioid and nonopioid analgesics Opioid antagonists (naloxone) -... 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) helps some sufferers it may act by promoting the release of endorphins. Ketamine (see p. 353) or lidocaine (Ugnocaine) (by i.v. infusion) are used in special circumstances. Pain due to nerve compression may be reUeved by a corticosteroid injected loccally. 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is electrical stimulation through surface electrodes. The advantage of not using syringe injections is obvious file electrical pulses stimulate the body s own mechanisms for obtaining pain relief. There are three theories as to how the pain relief is achieved ... 

A general study of the clinical effectiveness of massage by Ernst (1994) used numerous trials, with and without control groups. A variety of control interventions were used in the controlled studies including placebo, analgesics, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and so on. There were some positive effects of vibrational or manual massage, assessed as improvements in mobility, Doppler flow, expiratory volume, and reduced lymphoedema in controlled studies. Improvements in musculoskeletal and phantom limb pain, but not cancer pain, were recorded in controlled studies. Uncontrolled studies were invariably positive. Adverse effects included thrombophlebitis and local inflammation or ulceration of the skin. 

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Water-containing, ionically conductive pol piers are used in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) treatment to deUv electrical pulses to the underlying n e and muscle tissue to eitho rdieve acute and chronic pain or to repair and regoiorate damaged tissue (2). TENS electrodes typically consist of a nonmetallic conductor, an adhesive t patch, and a conductive gel medium between the skin and the conductor. 

Electrical Stimulation Devices. Bioelectrodes that transmit electrical signals into the body are generally known as electrical stimulation devices, examples of which include cardiac pacemakers, transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulators (TENs) for pain suppression, and neural prostheses such as auditory stimulation systems for the deaf and phrenic nerve stimulators for artificial respiratory control. In these, and other similar devices, electrodes transmit current to appropriate areas of the body for direct control of, or indirect influence over, target cells. 

Mrs KR should be advised to try and lose weight. She may wish to discuss the possibility of physiotherapy treatment with her GP. Patients should be encouraged to exercise gently and that exercise should include local muscle stretching and general aerobic exercise. The use of heat and cold therapy may help, as may ultrasound. Some patients may find a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine is helpful. 

The FDA has the authority to restrict the sale, distribution, or use of a device to prescription only if there is potential for harm if the device is not used properly. Examples of restricted devices include diaphragms, antiembolism stockings, and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units. Hearing aids require hearing loss evaluation by a physician at least 6 months prior to the sale of the hearing aid to the patient. 

III. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit... 

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