Chiropractors have a variety of treatments at their disposal. They may be best known for using their hands in adjusting your spine and joints, but they are also trained in the use of an assortment of techniques and equipment. One of them is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS.  TENS is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes, thus helping with pain. The chiropractor will first apply four small electrodes to the skin in the area of treatment, and then the chiropractor will increase the level of current to the patient’s tolerance. The procedure may feel like the muscles are twitching or tingling but is relatively painless.

TENS can be effective in treating musculoskeletal pain via nerve stimulation. The treatment can also hold down inflammation and speed healing by stimulating blood flow in an injured or tightened area. Physical therapists also routinely treat patients with TENS.

One of the beauties of chiropractic treatment—in addition to the fact that it is a drug- and surgery-free form of treatment—is that it’s not a one-form-fits-all type of care. A doctor of chiropractic can treat patients with an array of approaches, TENS  being one of them. Massage, recommendations on diet, lifestyle, and establishing an exercise program are all options. Talk with your chiropractor about what form of treatment is best for you.

Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Jeff