One of the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is cramps. The severity of period cramps varies from mildly uncomfortable to downright debilitating. Around 75 to 80% of women experience cramps during menstruation and pop in a painkiller or use hot water bottles for pain relief. However, it is not a good idea to take painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen regularly. Overuse of these OTC medications can cause severe side effects, such as stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, and low blood pressure.
There is a need to identify a safer and more effective way to overcome your period pain. Bearing the pain silently because menstruation is taboo, applying heating pads, or using home remedies with kitchen ingredients aren’t treatments you can rely on in the long run. A TENS unit, based on scientifically-proven technology, helps in relieving pain by restricting the pain signals sent to the brain. It stimulates nerves and does not have any side effects.
So big goodbye to the pain medications and other home remedies because the TENS unit is your friendly period pain-relief device.
What is a TENS Unit?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It is a pain relief method that relies on a mild electrical current. The unit is a small pain-relieving device that sends an electrical current to the body through electrodes. There are gel pads or patches on the electrodes that you need to stick on the skin where you experience pain.
The Working of a TENS Unit
A TENS unit restricts the body from sending pain signals to the brain while relaxing muscles and relieving pain. It generates vibrations for pain management and muscle rehabilitation.
According to research, when the body experiences pain and vibration sensations at the same time, the feeling of vibration reaches the brain first. As a result, the brain is unable to perceive the feeling of pain.
Another reason for the effectiveness of a TENS unit is the increased production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. These hormones engage with the brain’s receptors to reduce its perception of pain.
Advantages of using a TENS Unit
There are many conditions in which TENS therapy can help reduce both short-term and long-term pain. A few conditions in which you should immediately start using the device include:
- Lower back pain
- Period cramps
- Pelvic pain due to endometriosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
TENS Unit and Period Cramps
A TENS unit is great for treating acute menstrual cramps. The therapy is safe and non-invasive. It is clinically tested and scientifically proven, and there are no side effects. You can place the unit’s electrodes on your lower back or lower abdomen, depending on where you feel the pain. Due to its compact size, it is portable and easily fits into your bag. You can wear the device to school, work, a friend’s birthday party, or wherever you are going.
Once you turn on the device, you need to adjust the intensity of nerve stimulations depending on your tolerance levels.
TENS Unit and Pregnancy
You must not use a TENS unit early in pregnancy. If you have tested positive on your pregnancy test or you think that you are pregnant, do not use the TENS device without consulting your healthcare practitioner.
For How Long Can I Use a TENS Unit?
It is relatively safe to use TENS therapy for as long as you like. But, initially, you must start with 20 to 30 minutes. Also, leaving the gel pads at the same place on the skin for too long can cause some skin irritation.
Is the TENS Unit Reusable?
Yes. If stored properly, you can use the gel pads around 30 times before they lose their stickiness. You can replace the pads when they are no longer sticky. Remember to store the patches in the device case to keep them safe and clean for your next use. Moreover, apply the electrodes on clean, dry skin to extend the life of the gel pads. If there is any body lotion or other moisturizing substance on your body, it can wear off the stickiness from the pads.
Duration of Pain Relief from a TENS Unit
A TENS unit provides instant pain relief to the user. But how long the relief lasts varies from one person to another. Some users do not experience pain for up to 24 hours after the nerve stimulation stops. Others complain that their pain reoccurs as soon as they turn off the device.
Some studies reveal that prolonged use of the TENS unit can increase the duration of pain relief. Nevertheless, other studies conclude that repetitive use of a TENS unit increases an individual’s tolerance to the treatment.
Using a TENS Unit While Sleeping
Many women are unable to sleep because of severe period cramps. They shift from side to side but remain uncomfortable. While it is possible to sleep with a TENS unit on, there is a need for precaution. If you have the habit of moving a lot while sleeping, there are chances of the cords tangling or the gel pads coming off. It is a good idea to set a timer to wake yourself up after around 30 minutes or so to remove the electrodes.
Is a TENS Unit Suitable for Everyone?
People with an implantable device, such as a pacemaker, should not use a TENS unit. However, you can use it if you have an intrauterine device (IUC). People with a heart condition or epilepsy should also avoid using a TENS unit. The pain-relief device is not for you if you are likely to be pregnant. People with a history of cancer in the past 5 years should also avoid using the device. Please refrain from applying the electrodes to any body part where there is a suspected or known cancer.
Summing up
A device based on the TENS technology is a revolutionary innovation and helps with period pain relief. It promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing hormones that relieve period pain and elevate overall mood. Moreover, the device restricts the transmission of pain signals to the brain by stimulating nerves. The use of the device has no side effects, and it is great for treating period pain arising from conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, adenomyosis, fibroids, and PCOS.
