Everything You Need to Know About TENS Unit for Neck Pain

125 million Americans experience either one or multiple musculoskeletal pain disorders. Numerous factors, including improper sleeping positions and slumped posture while using a laptop, can contribute to it. Additionally, stresses and injuries like whiplash can contribute to it.

When neck discomfort becomes persistent, a lot of people turn to alternative therapies for pain relief. Some of them serve their purpose while others don't.

So, if you too suffer from neck pain and are looking for possible methods, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is something you should consider. Since the TENS unit for neck pain is a potent solution, it has become popular these days.

But does a TENS unit for neck pain work for real? In this article, we will look into whether TENS works or not. We will also bring forward some other relevant information so you can make an educated choice.

What Are the Reasons for Feeling Neck Pain?

Some illnesses and injuries of the neck, which support the weight of the head, might limit head movement. The common reasons for neck pain are listed below.

• Muscle strain can cause neck pain which may result from spending a lot of time slumped over a computer or phone.
• Neck pain may be brought on by rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, or cancer.
• Degenerative joints from aging-related wear and tear.
• Nerve compression can be caused by herniated discs or bone spurs in the neck vertebrae and can irritate by narrowing the small openings that the nerve cells transit the spine as they depart the spine to the periphery.

Whiplash damage is a common injury from car accidents, where the head is violently thrown backward and then forward.

Holding the neck still for an extended amount of time, muscle tightness and spasms, headaches, and a reduced ability to move the head can all cause discomfort or acute pain in the neck.

Does TENS Units Work for Neck Pain?

Yes, TENS really works. Patients who receive TENS therapy say they feel better after using TENS. Compared to other pain management techniques, TENS therapy offers the most advantages. In a study, researchers noted significant improvement after using a TENS unit for treating musculoskeletal neck pain.

It is a completely natural alternative to prescription painkillers that has none of their negative side effects. It's a fantastic substitute, especially for those who want to stay away from the adverse effects of opioids. Besides, the body's natural painkiller, endorphin hormones, are stimulated by TENS therapy as well.

What Are the Advantages of Using A TENS Unit for Neck Pain?

There are several benefits associated with utilizing a TENS unit and they are:

1. Natural Pain Reduction

The ability to naturally manage and reduce discomfort is one of the main advantages of applying a TENS unit to your neck. If it's something that matters to you, you have the chance to cut back on the number of medicines and painkillers you take.

2. Supports Healing

By sending electrical impulses into the muscle, it is possible to encourage cellular repair. This is a huge advantage if you are recovering from an injury. In addition to producing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, TENS machines can hasten your recovery process.

3. Alleviate Inflammation

Correct TENS placement reduces muscle inflammation. Moreover, research suggests that TENS can give relief from about 90 severe conditions.

You can receive pain alleviation for as long as 24 hours following a TENS therapy session. However, pain reduction is just temporary for some people. The location and severity of the pain will have the biggest impact on TENS therapy's effectiveness.

It's always crucial to test the gadget for a particular type of pain first. Thus, purchase the best TENS unit for neck pain to experience optimal results.

How To Use TENS Therapy?

The skin ought to be dry and spotless. This will stop the patches from coming off accidentally. Before installing the batteries, be sure to turn off the TENS device. To use TENS, follow the steps below.

1.   Attach each patch's lead wires. Remember to keep the exposed metal pins covered.
2.   Plug the lead wire connectors into the TENS unit's top socket.
3.   Remove the patches from the liner's plastic.
4.   Apply the patches on a clean surface. Remember to keep the patches away from metal.
5.   Switch the gadget on.
6.   Begin the procedure and adjust the intensity as necessary. Anticipate your muscles contracting.
7.   After a short period, stimulation will decrease. The TENS intensity can be increased as needed.

How To Position the Electrode Pads of TENS for Neck Pain?

Put two electrodes on the lower back of the neck. It is best to place them on both sides of the pained area, to treat neck pain with TENS. You should attach two extra electrodes right above and below where it hurts on the spine. You can also place them next to the shoulder blades.

If your neck pain is located lower on your neck or spine, try moving the electrodes lower on your back. Adjusting the parameters on the device to get the expected result. You can change the pulse width or length until you discover the ideal level of comfort.

Is It Safe to Use a TENS Unit for Neck Pain?

Many ask if TENS units are safe and can treat neck discomfort instead of prescription drugs. Well, yes, it is safe. Neck pain can be treated using TENS. You only need to take a few measures, for instance being cautious not to position electrodes at the front or sides of your neck or close to your head. Since TENS machines emit electric pulses to the body, they shouldn't be used close to the head.

The Best TENS Unit for Neck Pain

AiRelax 28 Modes Dual Channel Tens Unit

This 28 mode TENS unit from AiRelax is one of the best you can get for treating neck pain. It has 28 massage techniques that will naturally help you relax and relieve pain from areas like the back, neck, waist, shoulder, and more. You can easily adjust the time and intensity of the massage sessions.

You can also schedule a timer for the sessions and the TENS unit will automatically stop.  The dual-channel allows you to use it for different pain areas or share it with another person to relieve pain at a time. AiRelax TENS unit is a portable, compact, lightweight easy to maneuver device with 20 intensity levels. 

Pros

• Comes with Dual Channels, an acupuncture points chart, and 6 Electrode Pads
• Gives instant pain relief
• The built-in battery can serve up to 12 hours continuously
• The unit Has an LCD display and induction pen
• The battery provides signs when it needs to be recharged

Belifu TENS EMS unit (Dual Channel)

Another top pick for the TENS unit comes from Belief. Like AiRelax, this too has a dual channel output. The unit comes with 24 massage modes with a timer feature. You can take this portable, easy-to-manage TENS unit anywhere and the battery can go on for 20 hours.

Pros

• Comes packed in a dust-proof bag
• The battery provides you charging reminder
• Easy-to-use features

Cons

• The device is not user friendly

Nursal 24 Modes TENS Unit

This muscle stimulator is in the 3rd position on our list. Nursal Muscle Stimulator can take care of your neck pain for hours. This device is rechargeable and has eight reusable pads. Like the mentioned two TENS units above, this too is a safe and potent method for pain relief.

Pros

• The device has 24 modes
• Has a memory function
• The level of intensity of the unit can go up to 20
• Users can set a timer for each massage session
• Compact and lightweight

Cons

• Some of the users may find the fads to be small

The Bottom Line

Identify your needs first and do some research before you select any TENS unit.  AiRelax offers a range of TENS products that are of high quality and very effective. All of our products are FDA-approved and are safe for relieving different types of pain. AiRelax’s TENS units have helped many people cope with their acute or chronic pain and they can do the same for you. So, visit the AiRelax website to get your TENS unit for neck pain.