TENS works by sending gentle electrical impulses generated by a small hand held device through the skin to stimulate underlying nerves. These signals can block pain signals before they can reach the brain. As a therapy form, it can be used by practically everyone. It is particularly popular however among older patients and those suffering from chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and chronic back pain. TENS is an effective means of reducing the intake and thus side effects of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

TENS works to relieve pain in two distinct ways:

• Pain Gate Control- TENS works by gently stimulating your sensory nerves to suppress the pain signal to the brain. The brain cannot register the sensation as pain and thus, the pain is reduced. Pain relief usually lasts as long as the stimulation continues, with some carry-over effect. This type of pain relief is most appropriate for sharp, severe, acute pain.
  
  
• Endorphin Release - Endorphins are the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, they are released when the body feels certain types of pain. TENS encourages the release of endorphins when used for at least 30-40 minutes.

Can TENS devices be used by everybody?

Unlike a lot of medication there are virtually no side effects with TENS.
However, people with the following must not use TENS:

• When the cause of the pain is not known or not diagnosed.
• Pregnancy
• Pacemakers
• Epilepsy or certain types of heart disease.