TENS machine

maggiesoup

Hi, I suffer from lower back pain. Dr has advised me to try using a TENS machine rather than taking painkillers. Does anyone know (a) if it works for back pain (b) where I might be able to hire one? I know I can buy one reasonably cheaply, ie about £20, but it'll be a complete waste of money if it doesn't work. Any tips please?

MovingForwards

It does help as it blocks the wrong signals getting to your brain.

Lloyds etc have them for about £10.

Stick the pads on either side of where the pain is, pick a setting you like the feel of, turn the intensity up/down as required.

maggiesoup

Just called Lloyds. It would seem that the £10 only has two pads but they recommend the £20 which has four pads. Did you use the 2 or 4 pad machine? Thanks.

heatherw_01

I have a 4 pad one as a 2 pad one wasn't enough for all my areas of pain

maggiesoup

Yes, I think I'll have to get a 4 pad one. Thanks.

MovingForwards

I used the two pad version, been eyeing up the four pad for a few years now!

heatherw_01

MovingForwards wrote: »

I used the two pad version, been eyeing up the four pad for a few years now!

I was so happy I got the 4 after using a 2 for years

McKneff

Also google Yantra mat. it works on pressure points and no, ot doesnt hurt. I swear by mine

SadieO

I'm currently using one (for sciatica and hip pain) that I've borrowed from a friend. It's a 4 pad one and it's really helping, I must admit I was sceptical before trying it and wouldn't have shelled out for one without knowing was gonna work! Now that I know, I'll probably buy one myself as I'm sure she'll want hers back at some point! I've looked it up and this particular one is £70+ :eek: but it has lots of programmable settings etc that I haven't used so thanks for the Lloyd's tip I'll try there for a £10/20 one!

Might it be worth asking on Facebook etc if any of your friends have one you could try? If you feel a bit icky about borrowing one (I suppose it's a bit personal!) you can get replacement pads for a couple of quid online so you could buy new ones for when you use it, and/or for before you give it back (that's what I'm doing).

pandora205

I used a TENS machine years ago twice during childbirth (not requiring any drugs or other interventions). It worked so well I bought one afterwards and used it when I had hip joint problems a few years later. I've since used it for various injuries, including back and knee problems.
It worked better than Naproxen for pain due to hip bursitis.

I keep it now just in case of problems as I don't like taking medication.