i was wondering if anyone uses a tens machine. my gp suggested i use one to try and ease leg pain and spasms. he said to put the pads on my lower spine to block the nerve pathways. i bought a machine but it says not to put the pads on any bone or spine so i put them on either side of lower spine. only had the machine two days so im not expecting to much yet.
i would really like to hear from anyone about there experience good or bad or if you know where the best position for the pads.
I tried one on my neck and back and im sorry to say it made no difference. Fingers crossed though it will work for you, as other people I know swear by them.
Hi, I used one a lot when I jarred my shoulder, thru trying to lift myself up. It felt good when I used it, but gave no lasting benefit. Even so, I continued to use it.
About where to actually place the pads…I would follow the guidlines that came with the machine.
Have you thought about trying acupuncture? I did try it a few times, but got very little benefit from that too.
I asked my GP about the pain and she said to take paracetomol every 4 hours.
Physio said the same.
Sorry I cant give you any better advice.
Seems we have to manage our pain the best we can eh?
What dosage of baclofen are you on? maybe it could be increased slightly, eh?
I used a tens machine when I was in hospital many, many years ago and can honestly say it did nothing for me at all. Having said that I’m talking over 20 years ago so hopefully by now they have improved them. I wish you luck.
i spoke to my usual gp this week and he said not to use one without speaking to my consultant first as the pain is from the nerves! so i wont be able to do this till after christmas. so the money i set aside to buy a machine i can get wine instead, cheers everyone and happy christmas.
red rain, I have used a TENS machine in the past, not for pain related to MS but for muscular pain. I found the pulse setting was more effective than the steady setting, and to start with the lowest level that was effective (so some days it was on a much lower setting than others!).
Definitely speak to your consultant first, but if he says OK, try it. They don’t work for everyone - I met several people who said they were no good but mine definitely helped me. If your consultant says no, I hope he can make a good alternative suggestion for pain relief for you.
Yes actually.
I and my partner both suffer from Sciatica - we were looking for a Tens machine a while back, but didn’t really find anything during the pandemic, plus the service and advice from some companies was dreadful! Especially similar to you, we didn’t know where to place the pads, and the instructions were so unhelpful.
Surprisingly, came across a facebook ad that had tons of good reviews and recommendations - company called Med-Fit.
They do a mix of fantastic tens machines, and alot of them have programs designed for Sciatica and easing pains (leg, shoulders, spasm etc) - i quizzed the hell out of them.