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TENS and EMS Units
TENS EMS means "Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Electrical Muscle Stimulation." TENS and EMS units are small devices that are battery controlled. Many doctors use these units in the office to help their patients with pain management. Sticky patches (electrodes) are attached to the skin, and small electrical impulses are delivered to underlying nerve/muscle fibers. The body releases natural chemicals called endorphins in the brain, which act as pain relieving substances. TENS and EMS units can activate this mechanism. Also, the electrical stimulation of the nerve fibers going through the sticky patches can often actually block a pain signal from being carried all the way to the brain. If it is blocked, the pain is not felt or reduced. TENS and EMS units do not cure any problem except they can often provide considerable drug-free pain relief. Please be aware that this treatment does not help everyone.
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