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Chronic Pain
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Posted 1/31/2015 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
I know that many of you use a TENS unit. I have had mine for quite a while now and usually LOVE it. This is my primary source of pain relief. Typically I get wonderful results while the unit is on, but nothing once its turned off. Sadly, I have noticed that there are some days when I cant bear even the lowest setting. I don't remember this happening when I used one for my knee many years ago.

I change the frequencies regularly to avoid nerve accommodation. I never place pads directly atop the injured nerve pathways. I Criss- cross over the area. Its not a bad pad (pads are replaced often and it might work perfectly the next day). The wires are in good shape, and fresh batteries are always available. There does not seem to be a connection with too much physical activity/not enough activity. Weather, no, attitude, no.

There is no factor that I can pinpoint that explains why I cant handle the sensation at times. Any thoughts?
Posted 1/31/2015 10:17 AM (GMT 0)
Are you using a different soap,lotion,laundry detergent? Anything like that? Body wash? Some of those things have certain ingredients like alcohol and other things that cause vasodialation to occur or simply opens skin pores wider making the area more sensitive if you will. That's the only thing I can think of since you have made sure that the units working correctly. I don't think most people think about things like this when using a tens or even a heating pad or ice and things that cause those changes to occur at site certainly effect the results.
Posted 1/31/2015 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
I have no idea. It's weird, I'm that way sometimes, too - where even the lowest setting feels painful. Then the next day I have to turn it up 5 notches for it to even work for me at all. Maybe it's just the sensitivity of your nerves on that particular day, which might be caused by nothing and just ebb and flow randomly.

Sorry I can't be more helpful, wish I could. I criss-cross mine, too, and am always trying new combinations. My PT gave me a list of a lot of different configurations and what each one helps with. I use it all the time.
Posted 1/31/2015 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Re your pain: Are you getting stinging sensations, like the shock you get if you forget to turn the unit off before removing the pads? That's likely a connection problem. I'd go over the suggestions above and the things you've tried again.

The directions for my TENS unit say to keep the pads clean. I wipe them with a wet cloth and always put them back on their plastic. Applying them a little damp helps with getting them to stick better too. When I've got one that doesn't want to stick perfectly, a drop of water on my finger rubbed around the sticky surface usually perks them up.
Posted 1/31/2015 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
In the past I have used 3 or 4 different models of Tens Units. The first ones were ok but over the years they have improved them greatly. I have had that stinging sensation Alcie is talking about & it just hurt, lol. I did a couple of times forget to turn the machine off too, lol. Another time the pad was not on securely.

I too wonder if you may be more prone to sensitivity of the nerves on the days its too painful. Nerves are just weird the way they can react to any kind of stimulation. Not sure if this would make this kind of difference or not.

Who provided you with your unit? If it was from a physical therapist I would call them & ask for some input & see what they can tell you. Otherwise, if it was your dr then call & talk to his nurse & ask her to run this by your dr on your behalf.

Take care.
Posted 1/31/2015 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, some great ideas. Thanks for the replies.

Vickie,
No, I didn't change any detergent or lotion. With sensitive skin I stick with the brands I have. Changing shampoo or lotion goes badly.

Alcie,
I get fresh pads every month and I keep them clean. I even have little sani-wipes from the tens maker to clean the skin before using. Yes, a drop of water will reactivate the pads. I clean them and let them air dry before putting back on the plastic. Just like the manufacturer suggests.

Susie,
I received my unit from Modern Medical Supplies in Ohio. They call each month to make sure things are going well and to reorder supplies. I asked them this question and they said its not common but not unheard of. (Is that a nice way of saying you are weird?) Since it is not happening all the time they suggested using another modality when it "does not provide the expected result." They replaced the lead wires even though they are fine...okay with me, extra wires just in case.
I tried to call the ortho who prescribed the unit...after I begged. His nurse called back and said that they don't feel that a TENS works well on shoulders...the same BS I got when I asked for it in the first place. He was willing to drug me up but I had to argue to get a tens. So no help there.

BTL,
Exactly, some days are just too much even on very low. Maybe like the others suggested its just a hypersensitive day. I have also found that some days I cant get the hot water hot enough to knock out the pain. I will have to ask the nerve doc in March. I have a long list of questions for the new Drs.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. At least I know its not just me.
I hope you all have a wonderful low pain day.
Posted 2/1/2015 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't had any luck at all with using TENS for my shoulder. It works great for lumbar muscle spasms, but it doesn't seem to do anything for the pain I get in my trapezius or biceps.

The directions on mine says never to cross the leads over the spine, but I know some people do.

I suspect TENS works on muscle problems but not at all on pain from nerves or bones. Maybe someone will come along with a better suggestion???
Posted 2/1/2015 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
Alcie, How disappointing for your poor shoulder.
I was told not to place a pad directly on or over the spine, nothing on face or neck and not to fall asleep with it on. Sometimes its the only way I can get to sleep. PT said never to place a pad directly on a sore area but to "block" the area with criss crossing pads. My locations do not match any diagram...go figure. I had to fiddle with placement for a while before finding a good spot. I also use it on my elbow but am still trying to find the happy spots for my wrist.

I cant work on my biceps due to a torn deltoid. No matter how I place it I hit the deltoid and wow, thats bad. However, I can work my traps but only with tiny little pads and very careful placement. I have a wide variety of pad sizes from 3/4" round to 2"x 4". You can cut the pads into different shapes if you don't cut the wire.

I used one on my knee years ago so I was ready to try one again with this injury. It overwhelms the nerve impulse so I feel a zing rather than pain. As long as I don't move it much. I have it on now and its working great. The other day it just hurt.
I get so tired of being a zebra.
Posted 2/1/2015 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Perhaps try different size pads and connectivity gel?

Distributing the charge across a larger area might make a difference.

You might also have some places of minor skin irritation, a pimple or scratch.
Posted 2/2/2015 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Cogito,
Thanks for the input. It could be skin imperfections....I sure have enough of them. Today it was great. Tonight I tried and couldn't. Even really low was just too much. The mystery continues.
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