The acronym TENS refers to Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS unit is a portable, pocket size device that allows mild electrical impulses to be sent to certain body parts to block pain signals. This is operated by a battery. TENS units function in 2 ways. (1) It prevents pain messages from reaching the brain, or (2) It increases the endorphin level. Endorphins are the brain-produced pain killers. These devices are prescribed for chronic and acute conditions of pain, such as pains on the joints, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even labor pains.

The benefits that a patient can derive from a TENS unit is twofold. You may experience several hours of pain relief, and you may reduce the medications that you need for your pain. There are people who have TENS units hooked onto a belt. They just turn the device on or off as necessary. You may use this device at home, but it is important that you get the proper instructions from your doctor, a physical therapist, or other trained medical professional. You should be able to learn how to place the electrode pads properly. It is important that you attach the electrodes over the skin of the area that you want treated. You should also know how to change the battery, operate the unit, including the setting of frequency and voltage, and the duration.

For labor pain relief, you should use a TENS unit only after you have received training from your midwife or doctor. You need to place on your back 4 electrodes - 2 pads should be put above your bottom, and the other 2 before your ribs. The controls are located on the actual TENS units.

Some women are having second thoughts about using TENS units, because they are frightened to think that their skin will receive electrical currents. But it should not be the case. A TENS unit, as mentioned above, will send only mild electrical current, so the possibility of electrocuting yourself is very remote. You will just feel a buzzing sensation. The device should never be used while you are under a shower or a tub. And, you should replace the electrodes after these have been used several times.

In Europe, there are Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation units that are produced for giving birth specifically. Many such devices are used by midwives and physical therapists to relieve you of other types of pain. These have an adjustable intensity, so if you feel uncomfortable, you can just increase or decrease the unit. You can completely control the amount of stimulation that will be best for you. As you feel your labor pains start you should then begin to lower the intensity and then make the necessary adjustments as the labor progresses.

A TENS device should be prescribed only by a medical professional such as your doctor or midwife. You can purchase these from some pharmacies and drug stores, or online. There are also some places where TENS devices are offered for rent, but this is only for rare cases of pain. If you suffer from arthritis, it will be best if you buy a device for your personal use whenever you need.

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