Electrically conducting pads are attached to the skin and a low current alternating voltage is applied between them. Pain may be reduced, possibly on the same principle suggested to underlie acupuncture and scratching to relieve an itch, that stimulation of one part of the nervous system can block signals in another pathway.
Diane has used TENS, and this is her description:
It is a battery operated device about the size of a pack of cigarettes that has four electrodes connected to it. The electrodes are arranged 2 on each side of the surgical site and then you turn the battery on to as high a power as you can comfortably tolerate. At first I thought I'd never like it, get used to it etc...you can't get dependent on it, so my surgeon thinks it replaces drugs for daytime comfort. The signals block out the pain signals you would normally be experiencing. The pack clips to your belt or waistline on pants so clothing becomes another issue. I wear either a sweater or loose shirt when I am using the TENS. It is not a solution but with pain that will be around a long time, it is another device for comfort. I truly believe it is my savior for being able to work. However it can be a mixed blessing as it masks the pain and sometimes I pay more later for my comfort time. Hope this helps any of you thinking of trying it.
There are various non-medical ways to help cope with pain. They can be very important in making life bearable. There is a good summary of them on the 'Other ways to manage pain' page of the Web_MD site. The page is concerned with cancer pain, but the methods apply to any kind of pain. You probably use one or more of these methods to get through the day already. Do have a read of this page - there are some good ideas there.
Application of high frequency sound as a kind of micro-massage. Commonly used for soft tissue injuries such as bruises and strains.
Clinical evidence: None that I know of.
The site of the pain is illuminated with a low power laser.
Clinical evidence: None that I know of.
See the Homeopathy page
Updated 2004-01-14