TENS Machine

Description

Notes

Comments

SCS is similar to a TENS machine but more accurate in it's 'location' and has a different sensation. TENS was useless to me but SCS gives me more control. However, my husband has permanent damage to his knees which will eventually result in both joints being replaced. He uses my TENS machine and within 20 minutes is fast asleep, he says that nothing else at all helps with the pain. Again proof that we are all different and that any treatment available is worth trying when you are at your wits' end!
The battery consumption of the TENS is almost the same as for my SCS. Sometimes I think I am spending stupid money on batteries for these machines! Pebbles (A member of RSD UK Group)

I was advised that TENS with bio feedback would be preferable to SCS - superficially more of a nuisance, needing to be applied every day and a trail of wires, but completely non invasive and moveable without surgery. I use two machines constantly (at least, during the day. I only use them at night if the pain is so bad I can't sleep). I vary siting of the pads depending on where the worst pain is centred, from circling ankles to calves, to lower thighs, using two wires, four pads per unit. They were supplied by my pain specialist.
That said, I've not yet had to use morphine, though I am nearly at that point, and therefore don't know the potential for relief from TENS when the pain gets that bad. I don't know whether SCS is stronger than bio TENS. I need to run my machines almost at maximum and go through two good Duracell batteries in three days (rechargeable batteries only last one day) but they do make a substantial difference. I'd certainly require morphine without them.
If your RSD is very active, I suggest you discuss all the implications, pros and cons with a pain specialist before launching. A pain clinic would lend you TENS equipment to try, unless your RSD is too severe to be helped by it, in which case they would advise re SCS. Christine - Strathaven, Scotland

There is a TENS supplier in the UK with a free phone number - 0880 97 36 30 - that you can call to get advice on the equipment and purchase a unit with a many back guarantee. Therefore if the treatment does not work for your condition you can get your money back within 21 days. Anthony Emmet

I sustained a very bad orthopaedic trauma to my left wrist after an accident which required surgery pins, plating and eventually skin grafting. Now 4 years after the initial accident which occurred in April 1998 I absolutely rely on the TENS machine I purchased from a Boots Store. Not only is the pain relief instantaneous but is pretty much constant. I only very rarely need to use the TENS machine, but find I need it if I have been doing heavy manual labour or the weather is cold and damp, I would highly recommend any form of alternative pain relief other than medication. With the TENS, I find there are no side effects and the pain relief usually lasts for hours even days. Steve - Preston, Lancs