Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that uses mild electrical current to treat pain.
Current is delivered through small pieces of material that conduct electricity (electrodes), which are placed on the skin near the source of pain. When the current is delivered, some people experience less pain. This may be because electricity from the electrodes stimulates the nerves in an affected area and sends signals to the brain that "scramble" normal pain signals. Another theory is that the electrical stimulation of the nerve may help the body to produce natural painkillers called endorphins, which may block the perception of pain.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| Last Updated | February 22, 2007 |
| Last updated: | February 22, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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