Physicians commonly recommend a TENS Unit for workers compensation pain management. The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit is primarily part of a pain management strategy for controlling chronic low back pain. McCormick Law Office attorneys in Milwaukee, Wisconsin get the best results for injured workers in workers compensation benefits including covering medical bills for pain management.
This may include injured workers compensation clients with back pain caused by work-related spine degeneration, herniated or bulging discs, or failed back surgery.
TENS is used with other forms of treatment and pain control like analgesics (TENS use often reduces narcotic use), relaxation therapy, biofeedback, visualization or guided imagery, physical therapy and exercise, massage therapy, nerve block injections, and/or spinal manipulation.
The effectiveness of TENS remains controversial. The American Academy of Neurology findings published an article in 2009 claiming it is not effective and cannot be recommended. But, many patients find TENS effective for pain relief, easy to use, and with very low side effects. It may be worth a try for those who suffer from chronic low back pain and can be discontinued easily if it doesn’t work. TENS cannot correct an underlying problem; it is only used for temporary relief of symptoms.
TENS is a noninvasive way to override or block signals from the nerves to the spinal cord and brain providing temporary pain relief. Besides controlling pain, this type of electrical stimulation can also improve local circulation and reduce or eliminate muscle spasm.
TENS produces an electrical impulse that can be adjusted for pulse, frequency, and intensity. The exact mechanism by which it works to reduce or even eliminate pain is still unknown. TENS may inhibit (block) pain pathways or increase of the secretion of the pain reducing substances (e.g., endorphins, serotonin) in the CNS. Electrical stimulation has been shown to enhance tissue healing by improving circulation, which may alter pain perception. Some believe it’s possible the flow of energy through the meridian system modifies the sensation of pain. These practitioners believe that meridians are interconnected channels of energy throughout the body that are closely linked with the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) as well as the peripheral nervous system (spinal nerves). These practitioners suggest that the electrical stimulation from the TENS unit is able to open up any blocked areas of energy flow bringing pain relief. Recent research has also shown the placebo effect is also helpful in pain relief or improvement in symptoms. Believing the treatment (including TENS) will work has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Successful pain management needs to be delivered and received in an honest and trustworthy manner, and this can include a TENS Unit for workers compensation pain management.
