TENS Unit and Sciatica Pain Relief

What is Sciatica Pain?

Will a TENS unit help sciatica? Yes, and we can tell you what you're up against.

Sciatica pain is typically a result of a herniated disc. An irritated disc within the vertebrae of the spine may swell and bulge out of the spine, putting pressure on the nerves. Herniated discs in the lower back may put pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica and its associated pain.

Sciatica pain will follow the sciatic nerve, which may occur in the lower back, hips, buttocks, or legs. This may be a radiating pain, an aching, or a sharp pain. Other symptoms include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the affected areas.

Typically, those who suffer from sciatica are 30-50 years old. Those whose profession includes lifting heavy objects or sitting for long periods may be at risk for sciatica. 

Methods for Sciatica Pain Relief

When consulting your physician about appropriate care plans for sciatica, you can expect several typical treatment methods. 

Your doctor may have you use ice packs or heating pads. Depending on which is most effective for relieving your pain, you may switch between using ice and heat.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful when treating sciatica by helping alleviate the pain you experience while your body rests and heals.

Your doctor might show you some simple stretches and exercises to help you recover. Pain relief, provided by the TENS unit, may become especially helpful when it comes to exercises—if you are in too much pain, doing a basic stretch may seem impossible. But by removing the barrier of pain, you can take the steps needed for recovery.

How TENS Relieves Sciatica Pain

Will a TENS unit help with sciatic nerve pain? Yes, and we can tell you how.

The primary symptom of sciatica is radiating pain along the sciatic nerve. TENS units address this issue specifically. TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation—in short, these TENS for sciatica units will send a low-voltage electrical pulse to your skin. The electrical signal then stimulates your nerve endings and encourages endorphin production. Endorphins act as a natural painkiller.

TENS units also interfere with the pain signals being sent to your brain. The electric signal from the TENS unit may confuse or redirect the pain signals from your sciatic nerve, effectively blocking them from entering your nervous system and completing the pathway to your brain.

Both results from TENS units work to relieve your sciatica pain by producing natural painkillers in your body and interfering with pain at its source. The TENS units aren't challenging to use and are an exceptionally affordable method of pain relief. You can obtain a reusable unit for as low as $40, and you only have to replace the electrode pads. Getting a TENS unit for sciatic nerve pain is an affordable and reusable step toward sciatica recovery.

Using TENS for Sciatica Pain

Can a TENS unit help sciatica? Yes, and it can be fit for your body's specific needs.

Using a TENS unit is simple! It's all about listening to your body and adjusting to fit your needs. Make sure you know how the machine should be activated, and make yourself aware of the appropriate locations for the TENS electrode pads.

1. Attach the electrodes to the machine. This first step is easy and requires no extra considerations.
2. Place the electrodes on your skin. You'll want to place the electrodes on your lower back for sciatica pain. The sciatic nerve is located at your lower spine down to your legs, so you'll also want your treatment to be focused there.
3. Adjust the unit's settings. Pay attention to your body and the pain you're feeling, and adjust the settings on your TENS unit until you feel pain relief. This may look different for you than others, so be patient and listen to your body. It may take a few tries!

TENS Unit Sciatica Placement

Is a TENS unit good for sciatica? Yes, so long as you place it where you need it!

As mentioned above, adjusting your TENS unit to your needs may take a few tries.

1. Consider your sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest in the nervous system, and it begins in your lower back, then runs through your hips, buttocks, and legs. The pain associated with sciatica is typically located on only one side of the body, meaning the irritation is localized on one branch of the sciatic nerve. You'll want to place your TENS unit at the location of your pain, whether this is in your hips, buttocks, or the backs of your legs.
2. Listen to your body. Be patient as you find the settings and placement that you need. You'll want to move the electrode pads around and adjust your unit's settings until you are satisfied with the pain relief you are receiving. If it doesn't feel right, keep trying until it does.