TENS application for tension headaches

Man in the office holds his hands in front of his face because he has a tension headache. These can be treated with a TENS device.

If those affected suffer from tension headaches, they usually complain about pain that wraps around the head like a band. This type of headache can be divided into episodic and chronic forms. The episodic headaches last less than 15 days a month. The pain often starts a few hours after waking up and gets worse as the day goes on. The chronic headaches last at least 15 days a month and are present regardless of the time of day. You can relieve the pain with TENS pain therapy [1].

The pain stimulus is not passed on to the brain by the electrical impulses from a TENS device. The stimulation current can also stimulate the body to release endorphins[2]. These are endogenous hormones that have a pain-relieving effect. The TENS treatment also promotes blood circulation[3].

TENS electrode placement for tension headaches

Tension headaches often come from the neck area. For pain treatment with a TENS device, you can attach the electrode as shown in the picture. We recommend the electrode around Ø 3.2 cm.

Buy the appropriate electrode now

  • 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 devices

*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.

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. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in pain therapy (4th ed.). Karl F. Haug Verlag.

[2] Ortu, E., Pietropaoli, D., Mazzei, G., Cattaneo, R., Giannoni, M., & Monaco, A. (2015). TENS effects on salivary stress markers: A pilot study. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 114-118. https://doi.org/10.1177/0394632015572072

[3] Cramp, Gilsenan, Lowe & Walsh. (2000). The effect of high- and low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation upon cutaneous blood flow and skin temperature in healthy subjects. Clinical Physiology, 20(2), 150-157. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2281.2000.00240.x

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