09:00 AM
Monday 14 September 2020
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Agencies
Back pain can land you in a really turbulent mood, which is understandable. However, shock treatment may be the answer.
Usually, a battery-powered device, connected to electrodes, is placed on the skin, according to “Russia Today”.
Once the device is switched on, a slight electric current pulses through you through the electrode pads.
It may seem counterintuitive, but electrotherapy is possible to reduce back pain – and some people report that it feels relaxing.
The most common type of electrotherapy, as indicated by Spine Health, is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation produces a tingling, vibration, or buzzing sensation along the target area of the back.
It’s thought that the electrical stimulation may directly block the transmission of pain signals along nerves.
Moreover, treatment option has been shown to boost the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain reliever.
And TENS is available in handheld consoles, where one can choose from a range of options.
The options consist of high-frequency or low-frequency current, as well as complex patterns of stimulation.
Often people are introduced to TENS therapy while undergoing physical therapy for their back problems.
Professional practices may run 30-minute electrotherapy sessions, but this varies from practitioner to practitioner.
This type of pain reliever comes with its drawbacks, which are side effects.
One of the side effects could be skin irritation, which appears as a rash where the electrodes were placed.
Another precaution to keep in mind is that people who have pacemakers are generally advised not to use this piece of equipment.
This applies to any woman who is pregnant or has a heart problem.
Other forms of electrical therapy include: percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).
Usually any type of electrotherapy is used with other techniques to reduce pain.
For example, heat and ice therapy may be an effective complementary treatment. This includes the heat from a warm bath, hot water bottle, or heat wrap, which relaxes tense muscles and improves blood flow.
The increased blood flow brings nutrients and oxygen to the muscles that need healing.
On the one hand, ice packs help reduce swelling and inflammation.
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