TENS Machines Safety Precautions
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines can be used for chronic pain including the relief of pain after surgery. Always use under the supervision of a physician.
Who Should Not Use a TENS Machines?
There are some people who should never use a TENS machine.- If you have a pacemaker TENS could interfere with its operations.
- TENS is also not recommended for anyone with heart disease unless your physician has evaluated the risk and recommends it.
- TENS should not be used if you have pain that has not been diagnosed by a physician.
- If you have pain that occurs from issues such as appendicitis, hepatitis etc do not use TENS.
- Do not use if you suffer from epilepsy
- TENS has not been evaluated for the use pregnant women before the 37th week of pregnancy so should not be used except under the supervision of a physician or midwife
Safety Issues
Never use TENS electrodes:- On the head or close to the eyes
- Near to the trigeminal nerve
- In the mouth
- On the front of the neck
- On the groin
- On each temple
- On any wounds or broken skin
- On any areas that have decreased sensitivity or are numb
- If you have carotid sinus as it could cause bradycardia or slow heart rate
TENS does not have any affect on the underlying cause of your pain but only provides relief. Always make sure that pain is diagnosed by a physician before you use a TENS machine.