Some TENS machines are marketed for use in labour and childbirth as a drug-free alternative to pain relief, although there are limits to the pain relief that TENS can achieve in this situation. When should I not use a TENS machine?

Alternative medicine such as massage and acupuncture are proven to help aid in the healing process, with no negative side effects. Dexamethasone, an inexpensive steroid, was discovered to be the first effective treatment for COVID thanks to trials in the NHS. If the area for the electrode pads has hair you can use some scissors to remove excess hair. It is not necessary to shave the area where the pads will be placed. .If you experience headaches on a frequent basis then please continue reading this article to learn correct TENS unit placement for tension headaches and how it can provide some relief for your pain. Where to place TENS unit pads for a Headache While rare, the debilitating condition is more common in men and tend to start when they are in their 30s or 40s. A good rule of thumb is to use an intensity level where you can feel the stimulation and it does not cause you pain or discomfort. If you feel any pain lower the setting. Also, if you feel the muscles “twitching” lower the intensity level. Clinicians now have another treatment option for patients, particularly for those who have not had success with other treatments, including triptan – painkillers used to ease migraines and severe headaches.

The range of intensities of the electrical stimulation may account for some of the differences in research findings. To maximise the benefits of a TENS machine, dedicate specific sessions for TENS therapy when you’re relaxed, as this can enhance its effectiveness. It’s also good to rotate electrode placement slightly during each session to prevent skin irritation and help stimulate different nerve pathways. The main cause of these headaches is stress, and by being able to pinpoint and remove the cause, symptoms will begin to cease and hopefully diminish in a short time period. A TENS device is about the size of a small cell phone. It comes with several sets of electrodes, wires and end pads. Here’s how it works: Intermittently during the day, during a rest break, perhaps in combination with relaxation techniques.

In December 2019, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidance on the use of gammaCore and it has now been made available to treat cluster headache on the NHS. It can only be prescribed by a specialist and is not available from your GP. We recommend that your child uses the TENS machine for at least one hour and up to a few hours at a time. They can move around as usual while using the TENS machine. It is important to keep to normal daily routines wherever possible. Two studies, involving 87 patients, looked at how well the procedure works, and showed the benefits of reduced migraine after 3 months of treatment with the device. NICE guidance The thousands of acupressure points work on the body, increasing blood flow and help promote healing. The Acupressure mat and pillow use tiny little sharp plastic acu-points to stimulate the body’s pressure points just like acupuncture. What are Tension Headaches? The results were encouraging. They showed a significant reduction in pain and the study concluded the following:

When used correctly, a TENS machine can help with everything from period pain to headaches. The proper placement of TENS machine pads determines how well the device will work. The pads placement depends on where you feel the most discomfort. The best results are achieved from placing the pads at the pain point. You can adjust the intensity, frequency and duration of the pulses. (The goal is to adjust the settings until the electrical impulses feel strong but comfortable.) Our physical and mental wellbeing is more important than ever, but what happens when simple aches turn into long-term ailments and chronic or acute pain sets in? Nobody wants to stop enjoying daily activities that keep their body and mind active, but when pain prevails it’s time to let the power of TENS take the lead. Smoking Cessation Local stop smoking services are free, friendly and can massively boost your chances of quitting for good. These services staffed by expert advisers provide a range of proven methods to help you quit. They’ll give you accurate information and advice, as well as professional support, during the first few months you stop smoking. They also make it easy and affordable for you to get stop smoking treatments, such as: * Varenicline (Champix) * Bupropion (Zyban) * nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and gum One-to-one and group stop smoking sessions You’ll normally be offered a one-to-one appointment with an adviser, but many areas also offer group and drop-in services as well. Depending on where you live, the venue could be a local GP surgery, pharmacy, high-street shop, or even a mobile bus clinic. Jennifer Percival, who trains stop smoking advisers, says that using both treatment and specialist support is proven to give you the best chance of stopping smoking. “The majority of people who see an adviser will get through the first month after quitting without smoking a cigarette. “Overall, you’re up to 4 times more likely to stop smoking for good if you use a combination of stop smoking… There are various types and brands of machine. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions supplied with your machine.

Companies selling TENS machines are listed below. Please note: inclusion on this list does not imply a recommendation by Versus Arthritis and neither is the list comprehensive. It's provided for ease of reference only.