What should you know about a TENS unit on the spine?

TENS delivers pulses through surface electrodes and may alter the way pain signals are processed. It does not straighten the spine, remove pressure from a nerve, or establish why back pain started. Pads are generally placed on healthy skin beside the painful region rather than directly over the bony midline. The right arrangement differs for upper back, lower back and pain that travels into a limb.

Follow the device guide or a physiotherapist’s instructions. Apply pads to clean, dry, intact skin and keep them away from the front of the neck, head, broken skin and areas with reduced sensation. Do not place electrodes so the current crosses the chest. Turn the unit off before repositioning pads, and stop if stimulation causes burning, muscle spasm, dizziness, worsening pain or new numbness. Pair pain relief with the movement plan recommended for your condition.

Seek urgent care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, rapidly worsening leg weakness, inability to stand, fever with severe back pain, or back pain after major trauma. Prompt assessment is also needed for unexplained weight change, a history of cancer, or pain that is severe and worsening at rest. TENS should not delay examination when these signs occur.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest muscle, joint or nerve involvement, where pads should sit, and how TENS fits with exercise, medication or other treatment. Tell the clinician about an implanted electronic device, pregnancy, reduced sensation, skin problems or recent spinal surgery.