Thinking of getting a TENS machine and would be grateful for advice/recommendatio ns.

Thanks everyone, I shall get myself one and give it a try,

I’ve used a small one for years and find it marvellous. I sometimes cannot walk for pain in my hip/back/lower leg - seems it gets the circulation going. I rest whilst using it and take paracetomol as a rule but find it ok without if pain just mild. You can buy replacement pads too which I’ve done as it’s my fail safe.

Oh! I'll be careful of that. . The thought of electrocuting myself has prevented me from trying them in the past. But I imagine they are safe if used properly. I'm so fed up with my back (arthritic spine) that I am desperate for some relief.

henetha

Thanks Marydoll. I might get one then.

Just be careful, read the instructions. There are certain areas, you must avoid, due to the cartoid artery.

My fractures were to the right of my shoulder blades and I managed it. I have also used it on my lower back.

It's so well used, that I have had to buy replacement pads, a few times.

The only problem is that on a few occasions I have accidently knocked the power button and increased the strength. Ouch!!!😫

Thanks Marydoll. I might get one then.

I put mine on my back myself somehow. It's doable.

I have often wondered if they would help my back. And how would I attach it to my back as I live alone?

I, on the other hand, found it extremely beneficial, when I fractured my spine. I am on my second on, (wore the other one out) using it to alleviate some of my RA pain. It doesn't stop the pain, but makes it more bearable.

My husband tried one on a couple of occasions and didn’t benefit him at all.

teabagwoman
I know that some do get relief from a tens machine, but a Tens m/c can’t stretch that nerve out. That nerve is trapped.
If you can possibly do this type of exercise it will give relief.
There are lots more on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYOShqd64xo

teabagwoman click on thee hyperlink TENS in my post.

I havea small tens machine and I do find it helps with my arthritis but there is no dramatic relief. It sooths it for about 3/4 hours. I use it while watching TV for about 30 mins before bed so it does not ache in the night. They do not work for everyone as some posters have indicated. You can now buy wifi ones that you can indeed wear walking around, I got mine on A****n and it was about £20. I dont have any connection with them except as a customer.

Marydoll thanks, I thought there might be but couldn’t find one. I’ll have another look.

There is already a thread about this, which you may find helpful.

TENS

In shear desperation I bought one last year. I couldn’t get a gp appointment and I went to pharmacist to see what medication I could buy over the counter. He asked if I had tried a tens machine which I hadn’t then. Anyway I bought one from A****n after reading reviews. It is small and I can wear it when out walking. Brand is Kinetik. Not expensive.

My OH used a Boots TENS unit for several weeks to cut down hip pain before having a hip replacement. It was effective but largely only when in use, not afterwards, so one that's wearable while moving around sounds like a good idea. Getting the pads in the right places is important for maximum effect.

My husband got one but it did nothing for him. A while later I tried it and found it useless for me. I gave it away to a relative who swears by it however.

I have a TENS machine. I bought it years ago and it's a godsend when my back decides to play up. I go from being doubled up with pain and unable to move to being able to function as normal. That said, DH tried it and couldn't get on with it. So I'm afraid you might just have to bite the bullet and get one to see if it works for you.