TENS application for back pain

TENS application in combination with targeted muscle training can relieve pain all over the back [1] and has been shown to be effective and fast in relieving pain from acute low back pain [2].

To prevent back pain, it is important to combine strengthening of the muscles, improvement of posture, relaxation exercises and back-healthy behaviour. Training the back muscles not only enables an upright and straight posture and an athletic appearance, but can also make a decisive contribution to avoiding or preventing back pain.

Health-oriented back training is recommended. This is a combination of back training, strengthening of the muscles involved, stretching and loosening of various muscles as well as relaxation exercises.

TENS electrode placement for back pain

Apply the electrodes to the area where you feel the pain in your back. The electrodes should limit the painful area. We recommend the 5x5 cm electrodes, which can be used universally for many types of pain.

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Alternative electrode placement for back pain

Place the large back electrodes parallel to each other on your back as shown in the picture. These special electrodes are designed so that they can usually be placed alone.

To the right electrode

  • This guide is for orientation purposes and does not replace the supervision of a doctor or therapist. Please follow the warnings and safety instructions of your device. Changes and errors are possible.

  • Number inside the circle: Channel number

    Circle color: Red = Electrode 1, Black = Electrode 2

The recommended programs for axion TENS units

The STIM-PRO Eco is a manual TENS device. If you have not received parameter settings from your therapist, please use a frequency range between 70 and 120 Hz (burst mode 2 Hz) and a pulse width range between 150 µs and 200 µs.

Please note when using TENS:

The intensity should be adjusted so that it is felt as a pleasant tingling sensation. The duration of the application should be approx. 40 minutes in order to be able to achieve a lasting reduction in pain. It also makes sense to switch programs every now and then.

What are the causes of back pain?

Poorly developed back muscles lack protection of the spine and the intervertebral discs (intervertebrae). This muscle corset normally protects and stabilises the spine, the nerve tracts and the intervertebral discs. The lower part of the spine, the lumbar spine, is particularly affected. Pain in the upper back is often associated with tension in the shoulder and neck area.

Pain in the thoracic spine is also usually caused by tension in the back muscles that connect the individual vertebrae of the thoracic spine. Unnatural and repetitive working postures, a sedentary lifestyle or other one-sided strain on the back often lead to muscular imbalances or curvature of the muscles. Without the protective muscles, the forces can act directly on the intervertebral bodies. These further transmit the high pressure to the adjacent nerve tracts. This ultimately causes the actual back pain.

Video tutorial for TENS application for back pain

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The advantages of pain treatment with TENS

  • From everywhere

    You can use TENS therapy anywhere. It doesn't matter whether you're sitting comfortably on the sofa or in the office.

  • Drug free

    TENS pain therapy is an alternative to drug pain treatment

  • At any time

    You can use TENS flexibly and at any time. Success can already be achieved after the first treatment

  • Free of side effects

    When used correctly, pain treatment with TENS has practically no side effects

Studies and scientific sources

[1] Bachmann, J. & Pothmann, R. (2010). TENS. Transkutane elektrische Nervenstimulation in der Schmerztherapie (4. Aufl.). Karl F. Haug Verlag.

[2] Bertalanffy, A. (2005). Transkutane elektrische Nervenstimulation reduziert akute Schmerzen im unteren Rückenbereich während eines Notfalltransports. Akademische Notfallmedizin, 12(7), 607-611. https://doi.org/10.1197/j.aem.2005.01.013

[3] Ortu, E., Pietropaoli, D., Mazzei, G., Cattaneo, R., Giannoni, M., & Monaco, A. (2015). Die Auswirkungen von TENS auf Stressmarker im Speichel: A pilot study. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 114-118. https://doi.org/10.1177/0394632015572072

[4] Cramp, Gilsenan, Lowe & Walsh. (2000). Die Wirkung von hoch- und niederfrequenter transkutaner elektrischer Nervenstimulation auf den kutanen Blutfluss und die Hauttemperatur bei gesunden Probanden. Clinical Physiology, 20(2), 150-157. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2281.2000.00240.x

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