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Neck and shoulder pain has become very rampant in recent years. According to the American Chiropractic Association [1], a whopping 26.8 million people suffer from neck pain every year, and that number looks like it will continue to grow as technology advances. Although a lot of people’s neck pain is from injury, a large number are said to suffer from it due to daily stress, which might be caused from sitting at a computer for hours and even sleeping inappropriately.
The saying ‘Pain in the neck‘ is actually very fitting, as the neck is where most pain originates from. Studies show that there are more than 100 different causes for it, and each individual reacts differently to each cause. There are some people who suffer from a pinched nerve in their back that shoots pain all the way to their head, while others have sprained ligaments in their neck and suffer from chronic pain.
If you are one of these people, we are about to show you a great way to relieve the pain, using a Tens Unit for Neck Pain. Please make sure to consult your doctor or physical therapist before using this device.
What Is A TENS Unit?
A Tens Unit is a small, battery-powered electrical device that sends regular pulses of stimulation to the nerve roots and the muscles. On receiving these pulses, the nerves and muscles send signals back to the brain, which causes endorphins to be released. These are natural painkillers that act in a similar way to morphine.
This is how tens machines work – sending out regular pulses of electrical stimulation that combine with the body’s own endorphin system to help relieve pain.
Tens units have been widely used in hospitals for years and are safe to use at home. Tens machines can also be used to help relieve pain from other conditions such as arthritis, migraine headaches, period pains, sports injuries or even post-surgery aches and pains. [2]
The word ‘tens’ comes from the electrical frequency of the pulses (10Hz) and the pain relief is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
How To Use TENS Unit For Neck Pain At Home?
The best thing about these TENS units is that it can be used at home, without any prescription needed. It will only take you few minutes every day in order to get rid of neck pain.
Where To Place TENS Pads For Neck Pain?
The first thing you have to do is select the right size of electrode pads that will perfectly fit on your painful areas on your neck. After finding a good spot, stick it and then switch the unit on. You should feel a mild current that can ease up the pain.
Here are a few tips that can help you to get optimal results from using TENS unit for neck pain:
- You may have to try different positions in order to find the most effective one for your condition.
- Don’t exceed first level intensity if you are still not sure how it works on you.
- Start with one electrode and then gradually add another one if it seems to be not enough.
- Make sure that the intensity is reduced when you feel your muscles are tensing up.
- Consider wearing the electrode belt around your chest area aside from placing it on your neck to have more pain relief.
- Don’t use TENS unit for neck pain or shoulder pain while you are sleeping.
- Don’t use TENS unit while you are driving especially if you still not yet used to it.
- Treat the problem area rather than your entire body with TENS therapy.
- Do only light exercise after completing the session so that blood still flows down to your muscles
What Are The Advantages Of Using A TENS Unit For Neck Pain?
It can help relieve your pain in minimum time possible without any side effects unlike taking medication that can make you feel dizzy or drowsy. So, if you’re looking for a pain relief that is 100% harmless, then this really is one of the best choices you can make. It is also very light and easy to carry. You can bring it with you wherever you go.
Helpful Tips On Using A TENS Unit For Neck Pain
This device comes with a user manual so it will be best if you learn about its controls first before using it. Adjusting the timing, frequency, pulse width and intensity of the unit is a must. Read the manual first so you will know all about what changes should be made to the settings of the device. You have to adjust it properly according to your needs and preferences.
For effective results, you need to use the TENS Unit for 15 minutes on any part of your body daily. And remember, if at any time you have side effects from using your Tens Unit for neck pain this means you are doing damage to your body and it is imperative you stop immediately.
Conclusion
We believe that the best way to heal your body is to do it in the most natural way possible (within reason, of course!) – that’s why we’re on a quest to help you get relief while avoiding drugs and surgery!
The TENS unit is a great way to soothe neck pain and also to get the relief you need. The best thing be love about this machine is that it is super versatile and can be used for a wide variety of treatments.
To learn more about best TENS units and which ones are best for you – check out our list detailed reviews. For more on wellness and relaxation, please visit our homepage.
We hope this article has helped you and we wish you luck with your journey to pain free living!
