Ever wonder how to use TENS Unit for sciaticah? Or does the TENS machine work for sciatica? Let’s answer your question by following today’s post!
Although it’s commonly used for treating migraines, TENS can also be utilized for sciatica pain. It’s a non-addictive alternative that can help lower your pain and improve mobility. Sciatica pain is one common type of pain that can cause severe discomfort. It can radiate pain down to the ankles and lower back. With a TENS unit, you can relieve sciatica pain without resorting to more traditional pain-relieving methods. It’s also more effective than traditional medicines and can be used at home.
When used correctly, TENS units can help reduce the pain you are suffering from sciatica. They are very cost-effective and are simple to use.
Table of Contents
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest and most complex nerve in the body. It begins in the lower back and goes down to the hip and then to the feet. Various conditions such as sciatica can cause inflammation and irritation of the sciatic nerve.
It can then trigger pain signals. Sciatica is a soft tissue injury that usually appears in the buttock or upper thigh. It can usually get worse over time. The pain can then spread from the buttock down to the lower leg. It can even feel like the toes are getting pinched. It can also cause pain in the lower back. Even though the pain is usually felt in one leg, sciatica can also be felt in the back.
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Do TENS Machines Work For Sciatica?
A TENS machine is operated by a remote attached to the pads or electrodes. The electric current is used to stimulate the body areas that it is connected to. TENS machines use electrical pulses sent through the electrodes to the skin to stimulate the skin’s natural electrical activity. The pulses can also suppress the signals sent to the brain by pain. They then encourage the body to produce more chemicals that can reduce pain.
The best part about using a TENS machine is that it is convenient. Additionally, it offers ease of use, and can usually be placed at home or work. These non-addictive and pain-relieving products are often more effective than traditional methods of pain relief.
Explanation Behind TENS Machines As A Reliever For Sciatica Pain
TENS units are used for low-voltage electrical pulses that travel through the skin. They can usually be used to treat muscle pain. However, many people are asking, How exactly does TENS Machine can relieve the pain from Sciatica?
- At first, it stimulates the nerves and helps the body produce endorphins, which are natural pain killers.
- Secondly, it can also block or confuse the signal pains from coming to the spinal cord or the nervous system.
- Lastly, the electrical impulses can help relieve the tension in the muscles that are tight and inflamed.
Depending on the level of pain that you’re experiencing, many people may benefit from a 30-minute session with their TENS device. Some people may need to use the device for a long time. However, they can easily fit it in their pocket and are not likely to be noticed by others.
Ideally, you should use two pads on both sides of your body to keep the electrical current flowing from one pad to the other.
In other words, using the TENS unit for sciatic nerve pain comes with good benefits in the body.
How To Use TENS Unit For Sciatica?
Eager to know how to use TENS unit for sciatica? To start using TENS therapy, just place the electrodes on the machine and then attach the device to your body, where the pain is coming from. However, it can take a few tries to find the right frequency and duration for your electrical current test. Position the electrodes on the locations of the joints in your lower back and leg to improve and relieve the pain.
It has been theorized that the electrical current from the TENS unit blocks the signals sent by the nerves in the brain to trigger pain. It then helps the brain produce more endorphins. For most patients, this treatment can be utilized for 30 minutes. However, it can also be utilized for several hours a day.
Where To Place TENS Machine Pads For Sciatica?
Positioning the TENS pad for sciatica is very important. It can help relieve the pain and improve the recovery time of sciatica. The first option for TENS pad positioning is to place the electrode pads in the appropriate location to provide the best pain relief. You can position the electrodes on the lower back to the back pain area. This technique will help minimize the pain from the lower back. After that, You should probably start feeling relief from TENS immediately after finding the proper settings and pad placement.
Electrode placement in a TENS unit for sciatic nerve pain is very important for effective treatment. It is a must that the electrodes are placed correctly to stimulate the proper nerves. A simple way to determine the placement of an electrode is to palpate or feel the pain area. It’s usually a good place to place an electrode if it’s painful. Place two or four pads near the pain area. Use these to create a channel that will allow the electrodes to flow.
How Often Should You Use A TENS Machine For Sciatica?
Ideally, you can use the TENS machine as many as you like, but you can usually use them for at least 30-60 minutes or even more up to 4 times a day. They can provide up to four hours of relief. A TENS machine is a non-invasive tool that can relieve pain. It is commonly used to reduce pain. It is considered a non-compound pain relief tool. Regular use of it can result in a reduction in pain for up to 4 hours only.
The degree of pain relief from prolonged use can decline dramatically with the use of an electrode.
How To Get Immediate Relief From Sciatica Besides Other Than Using A TENS Machine?
Most people know that sciatica is a low back pain that radiates down into the body. It can be very painful, and usually, it goes away within three months. This refers to the process of treating conditions that can be treated through home-based conservative treatments.
If you’re experiencing severe sciatica pain, then these at-home sciatica treatments may be helpful. However, not everyone can have these kinds of treatments and should be approved by your doctor before you try them.
Sciatica Pain Relief Tip #1. Exercise
It’s natural to feel sluggish when you’re in pain, but research has shown that regular exercise can help lower back and leg symptoms. Instead of resting too much, try incorporating gentle movements into your day to help ease sciatica. Aside from improving your spine’s strength, exercise can also help lower your perception of pain.
Sciatica Pain Relief Tip #2. Stretch Out
Experiencing gentle stretching is a great way to improve your flexibility and strengthen your spine. It’s also convenient to get in shape even while watching television.
Sciatica Pain Relief #3. Use A Heating Pad or Ice Pack
Treating sciatica with ice and heat can provide immediate relief from the pain. Both treatments can help decrease inflammation and speed up healing. However, they can also cause muscle spasms.
Sciatica Pain Relief #4. Watch Your Posture
Being in the same posture/position for an extended period of time can increase the risk of sciatica. Varying your posture can help lower the pressure on the spine and relieve pain.
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Conclusion
Do TENS machines work sciatica? As we reached here, you may probably answer your question about it. A TENS machine can be a reliable device when it comes to sciatic nerve pain.
You need to replace the batteries and the electrodes to use the unit for your comfort. These are usually cheap and can be replaced easily. Ideally, you should place one pad near the top of your pain area and one near the bottom of it. Four pads are ideal for minimizing pain.