Introduction

If you’re looking for relief from chronic back pain, a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit may be the answer. TENS units are designed to effectively reduce pain through the application of small electric currents on nerve endings and muscles. The current pulses help to release endorphins, reduce inflammation, and alleviate muscle spasms – all resulting in significant reductions in pain intensity!

With that being said, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which TENS unit is best highly rated for treating your specific type of back pain – so let us help! In this blog post, we will discuss the top eight best tens units for back pain in 2023!

1. Best TENS Unit for Neck Pain

If neck pain is your main concern, then the AiRelax 8 Modes Pain Relief Tens Unit is a great option for you. Boasting 8 modes, 10-level intensity and even a massage setting, this device is designed to give you a customized therapy tailored to your needs.

Price: $22.99

Features:

1. 8 pre-programmed modes
2. 10 level intensity
3. Massage setting
4. LCD screen with backlight

Highlights:

• Designed accords with bionics, electronic-biology, physics, Chinese meridian science
• Can stimulate sympathetic nerve and muscle to activate natural pain gate mechanism
• Can be used at anytime for pain management
• Rechargeable and lightweight

Reason for Recommendation:

The AiRelax TENS machine is an excellent choice when it comes to neck pain relief. This brand itself is known for its superior quality products. It is designed to be lightweight and rechargeable, making it easy to carry around at all times.

The 8 pre-programmed modes and 10 level intensity settings allow you to customize your therapy session for maximum effectiveness and comfort. Highly recommended for anyone suffering from neck pain.

2. Best TENS Unit For Lower Back

One of our best tens unit for back pain relief is the HealthmateForever YK15AB. This FDA-cleared, over-the-counter device offers both TENS and EMS technology, which are both proven to be effective in treating chronic back pain. It boasts 15 preset therapies, a digital LCD with adjustable parameters, and a rechargeable lithium battery with up to 20 hours of continuous use.

Price: $90.

Features:

1. TENS and EMS technology
2. Channels-2
3. Intensity levels-20
4. Output-120mA
5. Digital LCD display

Highlights:

• Self-adhesive electrodes
• Timer with adjustable duration Charges via USB cable
• Measurement unit 7.75x 5.12x 0.87 inch
• Warranty 3 years

Reason for Recommendation:

Although slightly on the pricier side, it gives you the utmost effectiveness and convenience in a portable device. It has remarkable features that set it apart from many other TENS devices, so if you are serious about treating your chronic back pain, this is the device to go for.

3. Best For Budget

TENKER TENS Unit is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable best tens unit for back pain. It has 24 TENS modes and 10 EMS modes to choose from, and the device comes with 4 adhesive pads for convenient application.

With its timer feature, users can set their desired time limit between ranges of 10-60 minutes. This machine is equipped with dual output, enabling you to adjust and apply different settings at the same time for various body parts. The manufacturer guarantees that the battery will provide 10 hours of power.

Price: $80

Features:

1. Comes with 24 TENs Modes
2. 10 EMS Modes
3. 4 adhesive pads included
4. Incredibly versatile range of timing options.
5. Dura-power battery provides 10 hours of use

Highlights:

• Simple to use
• LCD Display
• Dual output
• Rechargeable lithium battery

Reason for Recommendation:

For this budget-friendly device, the TENKER TENS Unit satisfies all your needs. Specially designed for pain relief, this device is easy to use and provides a wide range of settings. It is also light in weight and portable, so you can carry it around wherever you go.

4. Best Home Tens Unit

To provide at-home relief for back pain, the Lifeplus TENS Unit is an excellent choice. By using TENS technology, this device has proven to be effective in treating both acute and chronic pain. With its large LCD, you can easily adjust and customize the treatment settings, such as intensity levels, pulse widths, and massage modes. That’s why it is the best tens unit for back pain.

Price: $150

Features:

1. Proven to be effective for both acute and chronic pain
2. 8 massage modes
3. Independent dual channel control
4. High-frequency adjustable pulse
5. Color LCD display

Highlights:

• Easy to use
• Auto shut-off feature
• Timer settings
• Pulse widths

Reason for Recommendation:

On top of its effective pain relief, the Lifeplus TENS Unit also provides convenience and user-friendly features. Without having to go to the doctor or clinic, you can easily manage your pain relief program in the comfort of your own home.

5. Best Wireless Tens Unit

Compex Wireless TENS Unit is the perfect choice for those seeking a wireless and portable option. Furthermore, this device also offers NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation), which is specifically designed to help enhance muscle strength. While wearing the Compex Wireless TENS Unit, you can adjust the settings from the remote control without having to take off the device.

Price: $200

Features:

1. Wireless and portable option
2. NMES technology
3. Remote control settings
4. 16 stimulation programs

Highlights:

• 3 button control
• Digital screen for simple control
• App-enabled
• Only 2 pads

Reason for Recommendation:

In terms of convenience, the Compex Wireless TENS Unit is the way to go. It has all the features you need in a wireless device. Thanks to its remote control-enabled settings, you can easily adjust the device without having to take it off.

6. Best Advanced Tens Unit

Chattanooga Primera is the best of our advanced TENS units. This TENS device is crafted with the same quality as clinically used electronic stimulation units, ensuring you receive superior results.

Featuring 8 TENS programs, 6 neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) protocols, and 40 pads, this revolutionary model has a unique HAN TENS waveform that guarantees the release of endorphins.

Price: $250

Features:

1. Clinically tested for superior results
2. Advanced tech such as HAN TENS waveform
3. 8 TENS and 6 NMES protocols
4. 40 pads

Highlights:

• 2 channels with 4 outputs
• 3 timer settings
• Intensity and frequency control

Reason for Recommendation:

The best quality device on the market, Chattanooga Primera stands out from other available TENS devices. Using advanced technology, it provides pain relief and muscle-strengthening capabilities that are both reliable and safe.

7. Best TENS Unit with Timer

If you're searching for an effective TENS Machine with timer settings, then the FENIFOX does not disappoint. It's our top pick and is guaranteed to provide a satisfying experience. It offers an adjustable timer from 5 to 99 minutes as well as adjustable pressure intensity, making it easy to customize your massage therapy sessions.

Price: $190

Features:

1. 10 levels of adjustable pressure intensity
2. 8 different massage modes
3. Automatic shut-off feature

Highlights:

• Lightweight and portable design
• Rechargeable
• Dual independent control channels

Reason for Recommendation:

There are many reasons why the FENIFOX is an exceptional choice. Its adjustable timer and massage modes make it easy to customize your pain relief program, while its lightweight and portable design make it convenient to carry around. It also features an automatic shut-off feature and dual independent control channels for safety.

8. Best for Athletes

The PowerDot 2.0 TENS Unit is best for athletes looking to relieve muscle pain and improve performance, as it offers easy-to-use electrostimulation technology. With this device, you can control the speed, intensity, and duration of your muscle stimulation from a Bluetooth-enabled app.

Price: $200

Features:

1. Bluetooth-enabled app
2. Long battery life
3. Sleek travel-friendly design
4. 4 unique stimulation modes

Highlights:

• 3 adjustable intensity levels
• 6 stimulating programs
• The number of pads can be increased

Reason for Recommendation:

The PowerDot app is jam-packed with useful information on where to properly place the pads and select the perfect intensity for your specific needs. A lot of different modes, makings it a great choice for athletes.

9. Best Portable Tens Unit

Omron Pain Reliefs Pro PM3030. This lightweight, portable device is designed to effectively minimize pain through the adjustable intensities and various massage modes of single-channel TENS therapy. Its small size makes it easy to carry around wherever you go, allowing you to access relief on the go. The PM3030 also comes with massage settings for cupping, kneading, and muscle-kneading massage modes, as well as a timer and adjustable intensity levels.

Price: $49.99.

Features:

1. Adjustable intensity levels
2. Fully portable device
3. Timer
4. Nonslip handle
5. Multiple massage modes

Highlights:

• Simple to use
• Highly effective
• Long battery life

Reason for Recommendation:

For an easy-to-carry, dependable TENS device suitable for any situation, the Omron Pain Relief Pro PM3030 is a top pick.

10. Best Value TENS Unit

If you're on a budget but still want to enjoy the benefits of electrotherapy, then the AiRelax 12 Modes Pain Relief Tens Unit Muscle Stimulation is the perfect choice for you. This device offers 12 pre-programmed modes and also includes 4 electrode pads for maximum coverage.

Price: $29.99

Features:

1. 12 pre-programmed modes
2. 4 electrode pads
3. LCD screen

Highlights:

• More energy settings
• Rechargeable and lightweight
• Easy to operate with one button
• Can be used on various parts of the body

Reason for Recommendation:

The AiRelax TENS machine is a great value choice when it comes to electrotherapy. Offering 12 modes and 4 electrode pads, this device is designed to give you a customized therapy tailored to your needs.

The LCD screen with backlight makes it easy to operate and the rechargeable battery ensures you can use it anytime, anywhere. It is a great choice for anyone looking to get the most out of their budget. Highly recommended. 

Conclusion

Finding the best tens unit for back pain can be a difficult and time consuming task; the products available vary in capability, efficacy, and cost. We hope we have helped you to identify the best Tens Unit for your back pain needs in 2023. To stay up to date on the best Tens Units available or to find added resources to assess your needs further, please contact Airelax with any questions or feedback. Thanks for reading!