TENS technology

Introduction

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, more commonly known as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), is a non-drug and non-invasive technique intended to relieve various types of pain through the use of gentle, low-intensity electrical impulses transmitted by electrodes placed on the skin, close to a painful area.

This method is used in particular to relieve menstrual pain or stomach aches (bloating, constipation, etc.).

The use of TENS in the medical field

It has already been used to reduce the pain of contractions during childbirth and has proven particularly effective for:

• Reduce severe pain during labor
• Increase the number of women satisfied with pain relief during labor
• Leading women to use TENS again during a future delivery

Operating principle

TENS works through two main mechanisms of action: Gate Control and Endorphinic.

Gate Control (or gate theory):
It is based on a principle of inhibition of the pain signal. The stimulation device generates gentle electrical impulses that activate larger caliber nerve fibers, and faster than those used to convey pain.

So the electrical signals sent to the nerves reach the brain first and help block the passage of pain signals.

The gate would therefore be closed between the nerves and the spinal cord, thus masking the pain signal.

In summary: It's as if a priority pathway lets electrical signals pass through faster than pain signals. The nervous system then prioritizes the pleasant sensations of TENS, which creates less room for pain signals, and therefore reduces the sensation of pain.

This analgesic effect is obtained quickly or even instantly, but certain pains can sometimes only be relieved after ten or twenty minutes of stimulation.

Similarly, the pain does not reappear as soon as the TENS stimulation stops, but after a variable duration of several minutes to several hours.

Endorphin stimulation

TENS stimulates the body's production of natural painkillers, such as endorphins. These hormones secreted by the brain reduce pain sensations naturally.

The production of endorphins would be stimulated by the passage of impulses in the nerves, leading to a general analgesic effect.

This benefit lasts about 4 hours, just like morphine would.

Clinically proven study

The effectiveness of TENS in treating primary dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain, has been demonstrated by extensive research.

A particularly convincing study (link to the study) , highlighted the positive impact of this technology on reducing menstrual pain.

According to this research, "Of all 197 applications of TENS, the reduction of more than half the intensity of menstrual pain is confirmed. Rapid relief, less than 20 minutes in 74% of cases, lasts on average more than 7 hours. A difference of -93% painkiller consumption is observed in favor of TENS."

These results not only highlight the effectiveness of TENS as a method of fast and lasting pain relief menstrual cramps, but also its potential to significantly reduce dependence on painkillers.

This study clinically proves that TENS is a safe and effective alternative for women suffering from painful periods.

Using a TENS device provides a pleasant tingling sensation when adjusted properly to your personal comfort. Intensity should be based on listening to your body, finding an intensity level that brings you relief without discomfort.

For people wearing an IUD , there are no contraindications to the use of electrostimulation, whether copper or hormonal. Just make sure you use a device that has the CE mark.

There are very few contraindications to the use of electrostimulation. The only firm contraindications are:

• Do not use TENS if you are pregnant or have implanted electronic devices, such as pacemakers, unless specifically approved by a doctor.
• Do not use on damaged areas or irritated skin.
• Do not use on people with epilepsy or tumors, unless medically approved.
• Do not use TENS if you are pregnant or have implanted electronic devices, such as pacemakers, unless specifically approved by a doctor.

Conclusion