Tens Units vs. Pain Pills

Individuals who suffer from both chronic and acute pain related to nerve problems have many options for relief. Some doctors prescribe both narcotic and non-narcotic drugs to help ease pain. Others recommend that patients go to physical therapy to get help. While these treatment routes can be effecti ve, it's important for those who suffer from nerve-related pain to know that there are other options too. Among the most powerful pain busters is the TENS unit, which stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS unit is comprised of a small machine with electrodes that send stimulating pulses along nerve strands and across the skin's surface. These impulses help to reduce pain by encouraging the body to produce more endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. TENS units are powerful for busting pain and are easy to use. In fact, they're preferable to heavy-duty painkillers for many reasons. Before you stock up on pills to control your pain, consider five ways that a TENS unit might benefit you. A TENS device is not intended to treat or cure an ailment, but help manage the pain brought on by such ailment.

Eliminate Addiction Worries

Narcotic painkillers are often effective at fighting pain, and some folks need to take them in order to lead happy, functional lives. Unfortunately, many in the medical community also believe that heavy-duty painkillers are prescribed too often. They are powerful drugs that have a host of side effects and can even cause addiction. In fact, addiction or dependency are worries of many individuals who take them. That's where a TENS unit steps in. Because it doesn't use chemicals such as opioids, there's nothing addictive about a TENS machine. It doesn't alter blood chemistry or cause any type of physical dependency. Instead, it offers relief free of addiction and the potential of overdosing. That's a big plus for millions of individuals who suffer from chronic pain but are worried that they'll become hooked on unhealthy pain pills.

Cut Back on Taking Pills OR STOP...PERIOD

In addition to being addictive, painkillers can also become ineffective over time. That means that many patients need to take more and more pills in order to find relief from pain. That can mean overloading your body with toxins that make you feel tired, sluggish or not like yourself. It can also pose dangers of overdosing. Sadly, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has found that almost 20,000 people overdose on opioid painkillers every year. This is another area where a TENS offers big advantages. Because it uses electrical impulses to stimulate the body's natural endorphins, there's no danger of overdose. There's no need to take more and more pills either. You can simply adjust the unit's settings to accommodate your changing needs. That means a TENS unit is effective in managing chronic conditions and handling new pains as they come your way.

Never be Without a Refill Again

What happens if you find an effective painkiller but run out of refills on a holiday weekend when no one is around to authorize a refill? You're left to deal with the pain alone, and you likely won't be able to get another prescription until your doctor's office opens again. If you've been prescribed heavy-duty painkillers, you may even have to go in and see the doctor before a refill will be authorized. That can lead to frustration and unnecessary suffering. Thankfully, the electrical impulses used by a TENS unit never run out. Yes, the batteries may need to be replaced, and you may need to buy new electrodes from time to time. However, that's not nearly as inconvenient as trying to get a refill from a busy or absent doctor. You won't have to suffer through pain or make an unnecessary trip to your doctor's office just to get relief. You can simply get out your TENS machine and start therapy whenever you need it.

 

 

Find Customizable Relief

Prescription painkillers are designed to be a one-size-fits-all solution, but we all know that everyone's pain is unique. That means you could be prescribed incredibly potent drugs that don't actually help you feel any better. Unless you're a pharmacist or drug manufacturer, you're powerless to change a pill's formula to make it suit your needs. That's not the case with a TENS unit, which you can program to meet your exact needs. Such units feature an array of program, speed and strength options designed to help you find customizable pain relief. Depending on the unit you buy, you can even target therapy to certain areas of your body to ensure the best results. It's tailor-made help for serious pain, and that's something neither over-the-counter nor prescription pharmaceuticals can offer.

 

*** Note - Please consult with your doctor before making any change to your pain management routine. This article is not intended to diagnose or help treat any medical condition. ***