The Tens unit is a small portable battery-powered device used to treat pain. This device uses mild and safe electrical signals to help control pain. The tens unit sends painless electrical signals to the nerves under the skin after placing electrodes on the skin. The placement of electrode depends on the type and location of the pain.
However, it is advisable to ask the healthcare provider where to place the electrodes and the best settings to use. Most people do not know the risks associated with using a tens unit, but this article will exclusively explore on those risks.
There are a few minor risks associated with TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). For instance, this device might have a greater risk to pregnant women. The device has vibrating impulse that might affect the unborn fetus. However, it is advisable for the pregnant women to consult the doctor before using the device.
In addition, it might be risky to sleep with this device since it has vibrating impulse that can harm the skin overnight. When someone is asleep, the skin is usually at rest and the vibration of this device on the skin might damage the nervous system. However, it is good to wear the device when the skin is not at rest such as when walking or driving.
Using tens unit on the skin near the eyes or across the head is also another great risk. Eyes are very important for the sight, but if someone uses the device on the skin around them, then there is risk of losing sight. On the other hand, using the device across the head can have a greater risk to the cells of the brain. The brain has very delicate cells and the vibration produced by this device might lead to damage of those brain cells.
There is also another minor risk of skin irritation, but this risk is very rare. Normally, tens unit is recommended for long-term use; hence it can lead to skin irritation. It is important to assess the skin by removing the pads periodically. In addition, someone can reduce this risk by cleaning the skin before applying the pads so that the pads stick and appropriately disperse the current in the area underneath the pads.
Therefore, these risks associated with using a tens unit can easily be minimized by first consulting a doctor before using the device. Determining the most appropriate setting is also a key factor in avoiding these risks and consultation is very important because the doctor can refer someone to a physical therapist who helps in determining the best setting for the device.
However, it is advisable to ask the healthcare provider where to place the electrodes and the best settings to use. Most people do not know the risks associated with using a tens unit, but this article will exclusively explore on those risks.
There are a few minor risks associated with TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). For instance, this device might have a greater risk to pregnant women. The device has vibrating impulse that might affect the unborn fetus. However, it is advisable for the pregnant women to consult the doctor before using the device.
In addition, it might be risky to sleep with this device since it has vibrating impulse that can harm the skin overnight. When someone is asleep, the skin is usually at rest and the vibration of this device on the skin might damage the nervous system. However, it is good to wear the device when the skin is not at rest such as when walking or driving.
Using tens unit on the skin near the eyes or across the head is also another great risk. Eyes are very important for the sight, but if someone uses the device on the skin around them, then there is risk of losing sight. On the other hand, using the device across the head can have a greater risk to the cells of the brain. The brain has very delicate cells and the vibration produced by this device might lead to damage of those brain cells.
There is also another minor risk of skin irritation, but this risk is very rare. Normally, tens unit is recommended for long-term use; hence it can lead to skin irritation. It is important to assess the skin by removing the pads periodically. In addition, someone can reduce this risk by cleaning the skin before applying the pads so that the pads stick and appropriately disperse the current in the area underneath the pads.
Therefore, these risks associated with using a tens unit can easily be minimized by first consulting a doctor before using the device. Determining the most appropriate setting is also a key factor in avoiding these risks and consultation is very important because the doctor can refer someone to a physical therapist who helps in determining the best setting for the device.