What's a TENS unit?

In our office, we address neck pain, low back pain, and related spinal complaints mostly by two methods. First and foremost, we deal with the neurological cause of the symptoms through the chiropractic adjustments.

Secondly, we address the muscle spasm that goes along with it by using electric muscle stimulation (EMS), or stim for short. Stim blocks pain messages and helps to reduce the levels of muscle spasm through direct electrical action. Four pads transmit the energy, which feels like an electrical tickle at low levels, and more like an electrical massage at more intense levels.

Many patient find a lot of relief from the EMS therapy, which is why we use it so often. Some people like it so much, they ask us how much one of our EMS machines cost.

The short answer is, too much for the individual to buy just for their home. But, there is a portable version called a TENS unit, which is a battery-operated version about the size of a large cell phone.

They don't have the power or options of the big, permenant devices, but they do a good job of providing temporary relief for people who have chronic pain or problems between chiropractic visits.

For patients who could use that sort of portable relief, we can arrange for a TENS unit for you. A lot of times, these are covered by insurance. Ask us on your next visit and we'll fill you in on the details.