What should you know about a lower back TENS unit?

A TENS unit sends small electrical impulses through adhesive pads placed on the skin near the painful area. People commonly describe tingling rather than a strong painful sensation. It may change how pain signals are experienced, but it does not repair a strained muscle or explain why pain began. Relief varies, and a device should complement movement advice or physiotherapy rather than replace an assessment when symptoms persist.

Read the device instructions and ask a clinician to show you suitable pad placement for your lower back. Check the skin before and after use; do not place pads over broken, infected or numb skin. Keep electrical pads away from the front of the neck, head and eyes, and do not use the device while driving, bathing or sleeping. Ask for medical advice before use if you have an implanted electrical device, reduced sensation, or a condition that makes skin injury harder to notice. Stop if burning, rash, dizziness or worsening pain occurs.

Seek urgent care for new bladder or bowel difficulty, numbness around the groin, major leg weakness, fever with back pain, or pain after serious trauma. A TENS unit should not delay assessment of pain that travels down the leg, causes progressive weakness, or repeatedly interrupts sleep.

Is TENS suitable for the likely cause of my pain? Where should the pads go? What settings and session length are appropriate for me? Which exercises or other treatments should accompany it?