TENS machines have helped me a lot with overcoming injuries and In this article, I will help you with finding the best TENS unit for chronic pain for different common types of pains and problems such as period pain and cramps, hip pain, Abs, feet, ankles, hamstrings, arthritis, herniated disc, carpal tunnel, hand, and arm pain.
Are you tired of your pesky period cramps? Facing continuous backache? Or your arthritis won’t let you ease for even some time?
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Have you tried all the medicines and therapies but still, nothing gives you permanent relief? Let’s get TENS unit to relieve all those unwanted aches.
Today we bring to you a handy treatment option that you can use within the comfort of your home. Wondering what’s a TENS unit? Read on to discover all about it and for a good reason.
Table of Contents
Best TENS Unit For Chronic Pain To Use For Your Own Personal Home Use
TENS Unit:
A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Unit or a TENS Unit will help you with nerve-related chronic and acute pains. These units send electric impulses and stimulate nerve strands. These impulses relief pain by two mechanisms.
First, it overwrites the pain signal and stops it from reaching the brain. Secondly, it stimulates the body to release pain killer hormones, endorphins.
Usually, a TENS unit is confused with an EMS machine. Let’s have look at how they differ.
Difference Between the TENS Unit and EMS Machine
An Electrical Muscle Stimulation Machine or an EMS stimulates muscles through electric impulses. When a muscle is not used for a long time usually after some injury or surgery you can be at risk of muscle atrophy. To prevent this an EMS machine is used.
So, the basic difference between a TENS unit and an EMS machine is that An EMS machine acts on muscles while TENS act directly on nerves.
Now that you know what a TENS unit is effective for pain relief what are you waiting for? Go and get one for yourselves. But wait! With so many options in the market, you might get confused that which is the best machine for you.
To save you from this trouble I’ve enlisted some of the Best TENS units for pain relief available on Amazon which are cheap and will give you the best value for your money.
I have also added a great combination device which includes both EMS/PMS and TENS on the same device.
You can read more on the differences between EMS vs PMS vs TENS frequencies here in a related article on my website.
1. TEC.Bean Tens Unit for Pain Management
NURSAL is amazon’s Bestseller TENS Unit. It is an overall solution for acute or chronic pains in different parts of the body. It offers everything you can think of. It is most popular because of its 16 massage modes and 20 intensity levels.
The NURSAL TENS unit comes with an amazingly cheap price.
Features:
Some highlighting features of this machine are:
- Size:
It is very easy to use the device because of its pocket size. Moreover, it is highly portable.
- Intensity Levels:
It is the best TENS unit for Arthritis. Also, people with injuries and chronic back and shoulder pain can benefit from this device. Its adjustable 20 intensity levels can be increased or decreased steadily.
- Electrode Pads:
It has 8 self- adhesive, reusable and replaceable electrode pads. Each pair is designed to target a different body part. The largest pair is best for massaging chest and back muscles. The medium pads target lower back, hips, and legs which makes it one the best TENS units for hip pain, feet, ankles, and hamstrings also. With the smallest pair, you can reach specific painful areas.
- LCD Display Screen:
Every setting you choose will be displayed on an advanced Wide LCD screen. This LCD gives this machine a very pleasant appearance.
- Built-in Timer:
You can adjust the massage time from 20 to 60 minutes as per your need.
- Lithium Battery:
NURSAL TENS Unit comes with a rechargeable lithium battery. The battery can be charged using a simple USB port. Rechargeable battery reduces its cost. Battery life is up to 10 hours after 1 full charge. Thus, on average, it can be used for 2 weeks.
Point to Remember: The machine requires to be switched on while charging. Therefore, do not use it when charging.
Warranty:
The NURSAL unit comes with a two-year warranty
Now that we went through some of its basic features lets review some of its pros and cons,
Pros:
- Reusable, differently designed electrode pads target a wide range of muscles.
- User-friendly size. It weighs only 0.8 lbs., similar to an mp3.
Cons:
- It does not offer a helpful instruction manual which makes use of the machine a bit difficult to understand.
While we reviewed a one for all machine you can also consider buying a TENS unit for your special need.
2. FDA Cleared Period Cramps Relief Device: Livia
If you are a woman, you have faced those very painful cramps during your menstrual period. While it is bearable for some, many women suffer from very intense cramps from which they might need some treatment. This lightweight and user-friendly TENS unit can be your best solution.
Features
- Weight:
It weighs a surprising 2 ounces only. Yes, you read it right. It is very easy to carry wherever you go.
- Electrode Pads:
It has a pair of flower shapes electrode pads.
TENS Unit Placement for Period pain
These pads attach to your abdomen and can be held with your pants through connecting clips. They can easily be concealed by your clothes.
Pros
- It is a natural and drug-free remedy for period cramps
- Easy to carry and use
- Certified safe by the regulatory authorities
3. NueMedics TENS EMS Unit Pro
Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to a pinched nerve in the wrist. NueMedics TENS unit is very effective for the relief of carpal tunnel. Moreover, it also helps with hand an arm pain. To top it all it is also a great TENS Unit for Hip Pain, Feet, Ankle, and Hamstring.
Features:
- It uses 12 different massage and acupuncture techniques labelled as “Neck”, “Shoulder”, “Back”, “Elbow”, “Hip”, “Foot/Hands”, “Knee”, “Joint”, “Acu”, “Knead”, “Tap”, “Random”
- It has a large LCD display for you to watch what settings you chose.
- It has an adjustable timer of 20-60 minutes
- A rechargeable lithium battery is installed with 20 hours of lifetime.
- It has 6 large electrode pads
Warranty:
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
Another Popular Device That Gets Lots Of Positive Feedback Regarding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Many More Kinds Of Pains:
4. TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit
5. HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS unit EMS Muscle Stimulator
A Herniated disc refers to a pinched nerve in your spinal cord. HealthmateForever is highly rated for the Herniated disc. It is because with its four simultaneous outputs it can cover a larger area on your back. Let’s have a look at some of its outstanding features.
Features
- Electrode Pads:
It comes with 8 reusable electrode pads. They are made up of non-woven material and are very flexible. Moreover, these self-adhesive pads attach to any part of your body without any gel or cream.
- Outputs:
It gives 4 simultaneous outputs. This means that you can use 2 pairs of electrodes at one time.
- Powerful Impulses:
It sends powerful impulses to the nerves. Which means that whether you use 4 outputs or one you won’t feel much difference. As even the single impulse is very strong.
- Massage Settings:
It offers 15 different massage settings. 9 settings are automated while you can customize the 6 others. This helps you get a personalized massage experience.
It runs on AAA batteries. 3 batteries are needed for one device.
Warranty:
- HelathmateForever comes with a lifetime warranty. So as the name suggests it’s indeed a health mate forever.
To claim this warranty, you need to register your device on the manufacturer’s website.
Placement of TENS Unit for Herniated Disc:
Placement of electrode pads really matters when treating a herniated disc. You can place the pads in a square manner at sides of your spine. Also, keep these points in mind;
- Place them from where the pain is radiating
- Place them a few inches apart
- Use trial and error method to finalize the suitable placement and intensity of the massage.
Warning: Do not place the electrode pads on your spine.
Let’s summaries this review into Healthmate forever’s Pros and Cons
Pros:
- You can use 4 electrode pairs simultaneously
- The predefined massage settings are very well designed. Special settings are available for specific body parts.
Cons:
- The screen backlight goes off very quickly. This can sometimes make it difficult to use. Especially when there is low light.
- It surely is an advantage that you can use all electrodes at once but its wires might tangle. Special care is needed in this matter.
If You Are Looking For A Combo Device Which Includes Both EMS/PMS And TENS Frequencies So The Next Device Is The Best Option For You.
6. HealthmateForever TENS Unit – 2nd Edition with Wireless Access
A combination device is a bit more expensive however, it is a great tool for people who wants both therapeutic and muscle building features on the same device.
The HealthmateForever TENS Unit in its 2nd edition is one of the most popular devices on the market and it also comes with a great price tag.
Conclusion:
TENS units are an effective pain remedy. Be it an injury, a surgery, some trauma or exercise stress, we have discussed TENS Units suitable for all these conditions. You can either buy a multitasking machine or a specified unit, just know your needs.
Keep in mind that TENS unit offers massage therapy and not a permanent treatment. If you have any chronic pain which is not going away do consult a registered medical practitioner.
Also, do not use this as sole therapy and continue with any medications prescribed to you for your condition. Do not use a TENS unit without the doctor’s recommendation and proper knowledge of use.
I hope that I helped you with finding the Best TENS Unit For Chronic Pain To Use For Your Own Personal Home Use.
As a professional trainer and a gadget lover, I’ve spent a lot of money and time buying wearable activity trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets, and checking them out. My site is focused on helping you with your activity tracking and smart technology journey. I try to provide the most helpful updated content on this subject. Hopefully, you will love my blogs and be a regular around here.