Tens For Fibromyalgia - Can a Tens Machine Help?

By Tens Machine UK Content Team . Last Updated Wednesday, 1st March 2023

What are Tens Machines?

Tens machines are fantastic devices to assist in pain relief, increased blood flow and much more! The word TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and is a common physical therapy either by your physio, sports therapist or yourself at home.

Tens Machines are pocket sized devices with some that have electrodes and wires connected to the device, and others that are completely wireless tens machines. All our Tens machines come with electrodes which are to be placed on the affected area. Once the Tens machine has been switched on and the suitable program has been selected, the device will send a small electric current through the electrodes to the affected area.

So, how does TENS reduce my pain? – Once the electrical current begins moving its way into your body, our brains are designed to favour new inputs and processes. Tens machines exploit this trait in your brain by distracting your nerves with a new tingling sensation which results in a reduction in pain. TENS machines assist the brain in releasing endorphins which is your body’s effective pain killer.

The devices are considered a very safe treatment as long as the electricity is set on the correct programs for your pain and condition. The machines will not interact or cause any problems with other medication and treatment, also the machines have not been known to have any side effects which again is a plus against general pain killer medicine.

We'd suggest looking at our Choosing the right Tens Machine page, as this gives you more information regarding the types of products we offer and the treatments they provide.

Who gets Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can affect individuals of any gender, but it is more commonly observed in women. It is a condition that can manifest at any age, including childhood, although it typically emerges in middle age. The likelihood of developing fibromyalgia increases as one grows older. Individuals with various medical conditions, particularly rheumatic diseases, mood disorders, or conditions characterized by chronic pain, may have a higher susceptibility to fibromyalgia. These conditions include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus (commonly referred to as lupus)
Ankylosing spondylitis
Osteoarthritis
Chronic back pain
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

While there is a genetic component to fibromyalgia, with the condition often running in families, some researchers suggest that specific genes may increase the likelihood of developing it. However, it is important to note that fibromyalgia can also occur in individuals with no familial history of the disorder.

How will it assist with Fibromyalgia pain relief?

Quite a few studies show some very promising research around Tens Machines for Fibromyalgia pain, with many treatments showing pain relief for users.

The research indicates that TENS treatment does indeed significantly reduce pain for those who suffer from Fibromyalgia and for a short time after treatment.

Other research suggest that not only does Tens Machines relieve pain but they also have a calming effect on the central nervous system. A main feature of Fibromyalgia is hyper-sensitized central nervous system, which is also called central sensitization. This means that not only is TENS fantastic for pain relief but also has an additional benefit that calms the CNS.

Tens machines are highly recommended as part of the larger treatment for Fibromyalgia, but do not use it as a sole treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is characterized by a set of primary symptoms, which include:

1. Persistent, widespread pain throughout the body or in multiple areas. The pain is often experienced in the arms, legs, head, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks, and it is commonly described as aching, burning, or throbbing.
2. Fatigue or an overwhelming sense of tiredness, which can be debilitating.
3. Sleep difficulties, such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and waking up feeling unrested.

Which Tens Machine do you recommend?

Our Premier Tens Machines is fantastic for Fibromyalgia pain and is highly recommended by our customers. Our TENS has a dedicated program (programme 19) which is for joint pain, bone or muscle problems.

As you may see in the manual on page 17, we recommend using the TENS machine as long as the user needs whilst following other precautions.

Electrode placement for Fibromyalgia pain relief

Once you have familiarised yourself with the control and features of your TENS device, it is especially important to place the TENS electrodes in a position that gives you the best possible pain relief for Fibromyalgia. This could take 3-4 attempts to find the most suitable position for maximum pain relief.

If you’re using two electrodes, place the electrodes directly onto the painful area at position where you feel the pain starts and where it finishes.

By Paul Warburton . Last Updated Friday, 17th September 2021

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