If you have any type of body aches and pains, you probably heard about the T.E.N.’s machine. One of the first questions that come to mind is, are tens units safe? Science and medicine have been using the tens machine since the very first modern invention in 1974. Medicine explorers have been attempting to create what we now have today since the mid 18th Century when Benjamin Franklin found electricity and attempted to make a crude invention of what the TENS machine is today. Benjamins TENS unit was large and hard to operate yet he still helped some people who were in pain by giving them temporary relief of their condition. Today, with so many on the market how safe are they?
1.Who Is Safe To Use A Tens Unit
Almost everyone is safe to use a tens unit unless specifically told by your medical doctor. There are only a few exceptions of people who should not be using a tens machine.
- Pregnant women in any stage of pregnancy need to avoid placing the electrode pads in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Pregnant women after the first trimester should avoid using a tens unit altogether.
- Anyone with a heart problem should take caution, high blood pressure would not be a concern but someone with irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation should not be using a tens machine.
- Anyone with an electrical or metal implant should not be using a tens machine, especially anyone with a pacemaker.
- Anyone with epilepsy can use a tens machine under supervision but must ensure that they do not place the electrodes on the head or neck, doing so may induce seizures.
2. Are TENS units safe for kids?
One of the greatest attributes of TENS machines is that they are drug-free and incredibly safe. When it comes to kids, a TENS machine should only be used after first discussing it with a doctor, this is usually just to rule out that your child’s pain is not muscular. Sprains, strains, and muscle aches and pains from sports are a great use for TENS units with children. Are there any side effects for kids? Yes, the main side effect is skin irritation, it is rare and does not happen often. The sticky adhesive could potentially irritate your child’s skin, leaving a small red rash. Simply wash the area with water.
3. The 3 main contraindications of a tens unit.
- Do not use your tens machine underwater, this may result in a painful electrical shock. Often people relax in the bathtub or hot tub and think it would also be helpful to have their TENS unit on in the tub. Don’t forget this unit uses electricity and water is a great conductor of electricity, it’s possible the current may strengthen resulting in an increased level of shock to the body.
- Do not fall asleep with the unit. Once you fall asleep, you won’t be able to feel the strength of the unit. Also, if the unit is on for a very long time, it might become warm which could possibly lead to irritation or burn.
- Do not place electrodes on the front of the neck, anywhere on the head or on the eyes, on open wounds, on or near broken skin, wounds, or acute eczema.
4. Are tens units safe during pregnancy?
A lot of pregnant women are using tens units to relieve discomfort and back pain. It is suggested to use a TENS unit only if they have exhausted other natural options such as massage therapy, exercise, and modifications to daily activities. If there is no relief, then a TENS unit could be used as a substitute for prescription medications during pregnancy and even during birth to relieve pain. According to oxford health if you have any serious complications during your pregnancy it’s best to avoid using a TENS unit for pain relief.
5. Are TENS units safe for the average person?
A resounding YES! The average person will do very well with a good quality TENS machine. There are only a few contraindications that you would think to be obvious for most people. Pacemakers, heart problems, etc. Most people who have these conditions have already been informed by their medical doctors of what to do and what not to do with their condition. For the average person, safety will be based on pad placement, duration of each session, and the intensity of each session. For the average person to stay safe, simply avoid anywhere on the body above the neck.
-Now that you have had a brief reading on the safety of the TENS machine, we hope we have answered your question “Are TENS units safe?”. Rest assured that they are very safe. In fact, millions of people choose TEN’s machines over medications because they come with a lot fewer health risks yet still provide quality pain relief. Don’t let pain get in your way of what matters to you most. High-quality self-care has a dramatic effect on our state of mind. The more we take care of ourselves, the better we can take care of the ones we love.
