TENS machines are a relatively cheap, yet effective, method of achieving pain relief when suffering from sciatica. If you are searching for rapid relief from a particularly bad episode of sciatica, look no further than this article!
First, if you’d like a list of the 10 best TENS machines specifically for sciatica, click on this link!
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In this article, we will learn:
- Why a TENS machine could be a great solution for sciatica
- How TENS machines work and how to use them
- The science-backed research behind their use
- My top 3 recommended TENS machines for sciatica pain relief
What is a TENS Machine?
A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine is a small battery-operated remote attached by wires to pads or electrodes. The electrodes are placed on certain areas of the body, and the TENS machine transmits an electric current to those areas.
TENS machines use soothing electrical pulses that are sent via the electrode pads through the skin and along the nerve fibres.
These pulses suppress pain signals to the brain and encourage the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals.
You can read more about the role the brain plays in sciatica pain HERE.
Many people ask me whether TENS can be used for sciatica pain relief.
For most people, the answer is “Yes”. TENS can relieve sciatica — even the severe radiating pains that my clients often experience. TENS machines provide a safe, non-addictive painkiller alternative that might help you reduce discomfort and gain some mobility from a particularly bad bout of sciatica.
The best part about TENS machines for sciatica is that they are so convenient; you can use a TENS machine at home, at work or when on-the-go. They can be more effective than the traditional methods of pain relief people turn to during a bad week with their sciatica – such as prescription pain killers – while being non-addictive and with a great deal LESS side effects. However, TENS machines do not work for everyone and the effects can be quite individual.
The Science Behind TENS Machines for Sciatica Pain Relief
So, how exactly can TENS relieve sciatica?
TENS units send a low-voltage electrical pulse to the skin, which travels through to the muscles and nerves. This pulse does three things:
- First, it stimulates the nerves and causes the production of endorphins – your body’s natural pain killer.
- Second, it can also confuse or block pain signals from entering the nervous system and spinal cord.
- Third, the electrical impulses can help the tight, constricted muscles in the painful area RELAX, providing relief.
Are You Looking for RAPID Relief from Sciatica?
My good friend, colleague and fellow international sciatica expert, Dean Volk, has a brand new sciatica relief video course available – and I’m delighted to be an official sponsor!
Check out Dean Volk’s “Kicking Sciatica OUT of the Butt!” Online Pain Relief Course Here!
I can proudly recommend Dean and his course for sciatica sufferers – because I’ve seen his incredible results first-hand. You can check out his course (and get lifetime access to the videos and bonus content) by clicking HERE.
What Do I Need to Know About Using TENS Machines for Sciatica?
Depending on the level of pain and desired result, some people may get great benefit out of their TENS unit from as little as one 30-minute session.
Others may need to use the unit for longer – up to several hours a day. But don’t worry – it’s easy to fit the use of your TENS machine around your day. They fit in your pocket and can be unnoticeable to others around you.
You will need to place at least two pads on your body when using a TENS machine. This is so the electrical current can travel from one pad to the other via your skin, nerves and muscles. If you wear only one pad, there won’t be any effect.
Keep reading to learn exactly HOW to use your TENS machine for sciatica!
Are There Any Side Effects When Using TENS Machines for Sciatica?
Generally speaking, TENS Machines are very safe and come without the risk profile of many other treatments or medications.
Side effects that do exist are usually no worse than skin irritation if electrodes remain in the same place for several days.
However, patients with pre-existing heart conditions, those who wear a pacemaker, and pregnant women should always talk with their doctors before starting to use a TENS machine.
Can TENS Make Sciatica Worse?
Theoretically, it is possible for TENS to make sciatica worse. However, for most people TENS helps to improve the symptoms of sciatica rather than making it worse.
The way TENS would make sciatica worse is by exciting the nerves and increasing the “signals” transmitted from the nerve to the brain. This should usually only be a temporary effect at worst.
If TENS makes sciatica worse, once the machine is switched off it is likely that the pain will return to baseline levels.
Research Behind TENS Machines for Sciatica
Although research on the effectiveness of TENS machine therapy for sciatica is somewhat inconsistent, most medical professionals agree that the outcome is generally positive.
Approximately 70% to 80% of people with sciatica experience pain relief during their FIRST use of a TENS machine.
However, the main benefit of using a TENS machine is that it provides something of a “window of opportunity” for people who are looking to start an exercise programme for sciatica but are currently limited by severe pain. If the initial relief of pain from using the TENS machine allows the introduction of gentle exercises, TENS therapy can ultimately lead to very long-lasting pain relief!
If you would like an example exercise programme for sciatica, here are some suggestions.
In terms of setting up your TENS machine effectively, research has shown that any level of stimulation offers some pain relief.
However, a longer-lasting, deeper level of relief comes when the TENS unit is carefully calibrated to find the correct dosage. This means that it may take some trial and error for you to work out exactly which settings, duration and pad placement work best for you. Don’t give up too soon if your TENS machine doesn’t work first time!
How to Use a TENS Machine for Sciatica
To start the TENS therapy, simply attach the electrodes to the machine and then attach the machine to your skin on your legs or lower back. Adjust the unit until you feel pain relief. As I mentioned earlier, it may take several tries until you find the right frequency, duration and strength of electrical current.
Positioning the electrodes on certain specific locations on your lower back and leg can better ease the pain.
This video below provides a great explanation of how to place the electrode pads:
TENS Pad Placement When Using a TENS Machine for Sciatica
TENS pad placement for sciatica is critical when using this modality. Get this and the TENS unit settings for sciatica correct and the relief will be more effective.
Where to Place TENS Pads for Sciatica Nerve Pain AND Back Pain
One option is to position the electrodes on your lower back near the area of back pain. Adjust the frequency as necessary and move the electrode pads around as necessary to achieve the best relief from your pain.
The pictures below should give you some idea as to where is best for you to place your pads.
You should begin to feel relief from TENS very quickly after you have found the settings and pad placement that are best for you.
If You Have Sciatica ONLY or Piriformis Syndrome
To relieve leg pain, place the electrodes on the back of the legs. The pictures below should help with pad placement.
Again, keep adjusting the frequency and move the pads until you relieve the radiating pains in your legs.
General Advice
I recommend to most people that they place one pad near the “top” of the painful area, and the other pad near the “bottom” of the painful area. Most machines allow you to place up to four pads – a good option is to try two pads on the back and two pads on the legs.
As I mentioned before, try placing the pads at the top and bottom of your painful zone, so the current travels through the painful region between the pads.
If you find one particularly painful region on your back or legs, it’s a good idea to place an electrode right over this spot so the strongest effect occurs through this zone.
Best TENS Machines for Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome
Below are my recommended TENS machines for sciatica and piriformis syndrome. Any of the selections below are TENS machines that I have reviewed myself and feel represent both high levels of effectiveness and amazing value for money.
#1 – TENSCare Perfect TENS Pain Relief Machine
This TENS machine for sciatica has 8 preset programs so you don’t need to “tune it” yourself – just pick a setting and off you go! There is an option to purchase a ‘Value Pack’ which includes spare pads which I would definitely recommend.
Click HERE to view the TENSCare Perfect TENS Pain Relief Machine on Amazon UK
Click HERE to view the TENSCare Perfect TENS Pain Relief Machine on Amazon US (closest match)
#2 – SHANGPS TENS Machine for Pain Relief
The SHANGPS design has revolutionized the way TENS machines are used for sciatica – meaning you can now get effective pain relief on the go. With its discrete design, you can easily conceal this under clothing and continue with your day to day tasks without having to stop and sit down to use a TENS machine for sciatica pain relief. Purchase with spare pads for the best value for money.
Click HERE to view the SHANGPS TENS Machine on Amazon UK
#3 – TPN 200 Plus TENS Machine
A super-simple yet sleek design, this TENS machine is perfect for those who want a highly effective model and are confident with using a TENS machine for sciatica pain relief. This unit doesn’t have a fancy display, so you can customize the settings to best suit your needs, tweaking and changing the frequency until you find one that works best for you.
Click HERE to view the TPN 200 Plus TENS Machine on Amazon UK
Click HERE to view the TPN 200 Plus TENS Machine on Amazon US (closest match)
Summary
I hope you have found the information in this post useful. The only way for you to determine whether a TENS machine will be useful or not for your sciatica is by trying one out.
They are usually inexpensive (~£20-£40) and the only part you’ll need to replace are the batteries and the electrodes. Be sure to get an assessment from a doctor before starting a new course of TENS therapy.
Have you used a TENS machine for sciatica before? How did you get on? Why not leave me a comment in the section below and let me know!
Are You Looking for RAPID Relief from Sciatica?
My good friend, colleague and fellow international sciatica expert, Dean Volk, has a brand new sciatica relief video course available – and I’m delighted to be an official sponsor!
Check out Dean Volk’s “Kicking Sciatica OUT of the Butt!” Online Pain Relief Course Here!
I can proudly recommend Dean and his course for sciatica sufferers – because I’ve seen his incredible results first-hand. You can check out his course (and get lifetime access to the videos and bonus content) by clicking HERE.
The information on Overcome Sciatica should never be used as a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. Never put into action any tips or techniques from Overcome Sciatica without checking with your doctor first. Please see full terms of use here.
Interestingly useful info