Types of Nerve Stimulators

The Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is most frequently referred to as TENS. The use of a TENS unit is generally for pain relief. It can be used to assist with short-term or long-term comfort. It is used frequently for acute or post surgical pain. TENS units stimulate the nerves close to the surface of the skin which are called the peripheral nerves. The TENS unit sends an electrical impulse that confuses the pathways in these nerves. The peripheral nerves are the ones that feel the sensation of pain (sensory nerves) and therefore the pain is blocked by the electrical stimulation. Typically the pain sensation is relieved while the TENS unit is on, but once the unit is removed the pain usually returns. For this reason, TENS units are worn continuously by many users. However, over time the body can learn to accommodate to the TENS sensation and adjustments are sometimes necessary to keep this from occurring.