TENS pad placement for a slipped disc
How a TENS machine can help you against a slipped disc
A slipped disc is when tissue of the disc can extrude through the destroyed fiber ring (annulus fibrosus). This tissue presses on the nerves in the area of the spinal cord. This can lead to strong back pain, paralysis or numbness. Common indicators for a slipped disc are the acute and like lightning occurrence of back pain, which can radiate into the legs.
In any case you should visit a doctor, who can give you a precise diagnosis. Certain symptoms like the loss of motor skills or bladder-colon disturbances are likely to necessitate a surgery. If a conservative treatment is possible, there are several options which are combined in some cases. Pain therapy with TENS is one of these options.
In stimulation current therapy, electrical impulses are transmitted to the skin with the help of the TENS machine via electrode pads. There are two effects of pain relief with TENS. With high frequency, the transmission of the pain to your brain can be blocked, so you won’t perceive the pain. With low frequency, a TENS machine stimulates your body externally to release endorphins[1] and as a result relieve your pain. TENS also increases blood flow[2]. Beside a treatment against a slipped disc, a targeted strengthening of the back muscles, for example with an EMS machine, can prevent back pain. Our TENS EMS combo machine STIM-PRO X9 offers both possibilities.
If you have any further questions concerning EMS machines, feel free to contact us. Consultation by phone: +49 (0) 7152 - 353 911 - 0 or write to us: service@axion.shop.
Our TENS machine and electrode pad recommendation
The correct pad placement for a slipped disc
For the TENS therapy against a slipped disc, we recommend you to use our big back pad electrode 20 x 12 cm.If you have further questions about the correct pad placement for your requirements, your are welcome to use our contact form. Our expert advisors are there for you!
The optimal TENS machine for your application -Program recommendation
For TENS EMS machines from axion, we recommend the following programs for pain therapy
TENS EMS Combo Machine STIM-PRO X9
The programs P01, P04 or P15 are generally used here.
To the device: TENS EMS Combo Machine STIM-PRO X9
TENS Machine STIM-PRO T-400
The program P07 is generally used here.
To the device: TENS Gerät STIM-PRO T-400
TENS Machine STIM-PRO COMFORT
The programs P02 or P03 are generally used here.
To the device: TENS-Gerät STIM-PRO COMFORT
Our Bestseller TENS EMS combo machine STIM-PRO X9
Please note
The current strength should be set 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 is also useful to change the programs every now and then.
What are the causes for a slipped disc
The intervertebral disc consists of the fiber ring (annulus fibrosus) and the nucleus (nucleus pulposus). If the fiber ring is weakened through cracking for example, the gel-like nucleus can extrude and press on the nerves in the spinal cord, which can cause back pain. This is often triggered by an improper load or overload of the spine. A slipped disc can occur in the area of the cervical spine, thoracic spine or the lumbar spine. The most commonly occurring is a slipped disc in the lumbar spine.
Causes for a slipped disc are:
- Degeneration (aging) of the intervertebral disc
- Improper load ( heavy loads were not lifted correctly or sitting in front of a computer for hours like at work)
- Pregnancy
- Overweight
- Genetic predisposition
Combination of TENS and heat therapy
You can enhance the effect of your TENS treatment agaibst a slipped disc with heat therapy. Heat therapy promotes blood circulation and loosens the muscles. The use of heat is particularly suitable for muscular tension.
Moor heat pack: Due to the filling of natural moor, these heat pads can store the heat longer and release it more evenly than other heat pads, e.g. cherry pit pads.
Hot water bottle: The hot water bottle is a classic in heat therapy that stands out due to its easy application. You only have to fill in warm water. The hot water bottles are also available with a variety of different covers.
The benefits of TENS treatment
Strengthen your muscles to prevent injuries and pain
After the TENS treatment, you can use the programs P29 or P30 to loosen the muscles or relieve tensions. Choose an intensity, where you only feel light muscle contractions. You can apply these programs for about 10 to 20 minutes.
With an EMS you can also strengthen your muscles. Especially because of sedentary work, our back muscles are bent. With the EMS program P17 you can build back muscles ideally. Choose an intensity slightly below the pain threshold. You should feel significant muscle contractions. At the beginning the application should take no longer than 4 minutes, with a little bit of practice you can increase the time to 6 minutes. After that, you can use the programs P29 and P30 for muscle relaxation again, to prevent muscle soreness.
Our TENS machine and electrode pad recommendations
The TENS world of axion
We are happy to advise you
You still have questions about TENS machines and the different applications? Do not hesitate to contact us!
Last seen
Studies and scientific sources
[1] 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
[2] 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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