Electronic Muscle Stimulations (EMS)

Home > A Back and Neck Support Store > Product Index > TENS/EMS Muscle Stimulation

How the TENS Pain Control Units Work

Pain is the body's warning system. It is a way of letting an individual know that something is wrong. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulations (TENS) is a safe non-invasive drug-free method of pain management. It relieves pain by sending small electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin to underlying nerve fibers. TENS is believed to work by two different mechanisms. First, electrical stimulation of the nerve fibers can block a pain signal from being carried to the brain. If the signal is blocked, pain is not perceived. Secondly, the body has its own mechanism for suppressing pain. It does this by releasing natural chemicals called endorphins in the brain which act as analgesics. TENS may activate this mechanism. By effectively managing pain without drugs, TENS allows many people with chronic pain conditions to resume daily activity.

You can not strain or sprain your muscles by overworking them with your electronic muscle stimulator system because the feeling is more like a pleasant tingling sensation than a shock or jolt.

However, the following should not use electronic muscle stimulators (EMS):

• If you are pregnant
• If you use a pace maker
• If you have metal plates or pins
• If you have diabetes
• If you have an abnormally high blood pressure

Just as with starting any new exercise program, if in doubt, consult your physician.