How to use a TENS units & EMS machines for neck pain relief? Placement of electrode pads (UK)

One of the most important sections of the back is undoubtedly the cervical spine, due to its proximity to the cerebellum, the brain, the large number of nerves that originate in it and a long etcetera of reasons. Its composition alone is a true anatomical marvel, but it is also one of the greatest torments of hundreds of millions of people in the world.

It is estimated that between 70% and 80% of humans will suffer at least once in their lives from neck pain, and those who don't will probably die before they feel it. Luckily, electrotherapy puts TENS and EMS therapies at your disposal, which can be a viable option to relieve and prevent any type of neck pain.

How to use a TENS machine to relieve neck pain?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is undoubtedly one of the best ways to relieve neck and cervical pain. Thanks to it, you will not have to use drugs that can make you dependent on them, nor suffer perennial neck pain that ruin your lifestyle, since its currents do not alter the behavior of the nerves after their use, and offer a quick relief that is felt during the first seconds of starting a session.

Among the most important benefits for the neck we can highlight:

• Avoid the use of drugs: undoubtedly one of the best news is that with TENS you will not need to use drugs to relieve your pain, so you will not become a dependent person who every year spends thousands of dollars at the pharmacy buying painkillers that generate side effects in your body.
• Increases the pain threshold: since the cervical nerves will need more pain receptors to send a noxious impulse signal to the brain. This is a quality that will be maintained even after the sessions, so that when the pain reappears during the recovery process, it is no longer felt with the same intensity as at the beginning.
• Reduces the production of pain neurotransmitters: these chemicals needed to generate a nerve impulse in any of the cervical nerves will be greatly reduced. This will not only be during your TENS session but also after it, which will allow you to have an even greater tolerance to pain.
• It relaxes the cervical muscles: since it interferes with the reciprocal innervation that causes a muscle to tense when feeling pain, which increases the intensity of the pain. With the relief provided by TENS electrotherapy, these involuntary contractions are avoided and a total relaxation of the muscles that support the neck is achieved.

However, you should know that TENS electrotherapy will not cure the cause of your neck pain, it will simply relieve the pain in the area, but you should continue to perform the treatment indicated by your family doctor to recover from injuries such as:

• Cervicalgia.
• Nerve impingement.
• Neck sprain.
• Whiplash.
• Torticollis.

Best TENS machines for neck pain recovery

Now we present you the best TENS units to relieve neck pain, without using painkillers or other drugs, that you will find in the market.

The AccuRelief pain treatment system is based on the new technology of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to relieve any type of muscle and nerve ailments, through the application of electrical impulses that stimulate the production of endorphins in the nervous system.

It works by means of a remote control system that allows you to increase or reduce the intensity and frequency of the electrical impulses quickly, so that it adapts to the ailments of the treated area. The box includes the remote control to modify the configuration of the device, and 2 adaptable electrodes to place anywhere on the body, together with 6 AAA batteries necessary to operate.

PainGone offers its PainGone Easy, an incredibly effective wireless TENS device that will allow you to treat pain in the back, arms, legs, shoulders and other parts of the body. Its portability makes it one of the most convenient stimulation devices on the market, so you can have pain relief treatment without any medication.

It has a multi-setting function, offering 3 modes of use with 12 intensity levels to suit your condition, and its adaptable electrodes allow PainGone Easy to reach virtually any area of the body. Additionally, its long-lasting lithium battery will give you enough power for at least 80 sessions before you need to get a replacement, which you can easily access on the brand's website.

Omron has a wide range of electrostimulation devices in stock, including Omron HeatTens, which combines the therapeutic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with the effective method of heat therapy, resulting in one of the most complete relaxation and pain relief effects available on the market.

Its operation is really simplified, having 6 preset programs that focus on treating different areas of the body, which you can customize by modifying the 3 TENS massage modes, in combination with the 3 heat therapy modes. It is the best choice for joint and muscle ailments and you will get 1 Omrom HeatTens, 2 Omron gel pads, 1 power adapter and an instruction manual.

This wireless electrostimulation unit brought to the public by DIGOT brand, is one of the most versatile devices thanks to its compact size, portability, power and included heat therapy function, which makes it the most recommended option for the treatment and relief of any type of ailment, from joint problems caused by arthritis to muscle pain caused by injuries.

It has 6 massage modes with 19 intensity levels, among which you can switch between heat therapy modes. Its adhesive gel pad is reusable up to 50 times, and its internal lithium battery will give you enough autonomy to withstand several sessions before the next charge.

The electric neck massager from physiotherapy brand FORTHiQ is one of the most precise electrostimulation units available, with an ergonomic design designed exclusively to fit the neck area and deliver TENS electrical impulses to the most sensitive areas, allowing for fast pain relief.

It has 6 modes of use and 15 intensity levels that allow access to deep neck tissue for complete relief of any type of ailment. It can be switched between TENS and effective heat therapy modes very easily thanks to its remote control, and its high capacity battery allows a battery life of up to 6 hours, with a charge of only 30 minutes.

How to use an EMS muscle electro stimulator for neck pain?

EMS electrotherapy is not recommended to relieve cervical pain, but this does not mean that you cannot take advantage of it, since the contractions obtained with it are of great help to prevent various neck and cervical back injuries.

In addition, it is an excellent way to maintain the firmness of trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and other surrounding muscles for people who do not have time to attend a gym.

Among its most valuable benefits we can highlight:

• Prevents loss of elasticity: over the years the muscles lose elasticity, which causes them to become stiff, which increases the risk of injuries such as torticollis or contractures in trapezius. But this can be avoided with the use of EMS on a regular basis, as you will maintain the activity of the muscle fibers without having to invest long hours in the gym.
• Improves neck stability: by strengthening the muscles involved in this function such as the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid mainly, but also others around them.
• Prevents cervical injuries: problems such as torticollis, cervicalgia or nerve impingement that are products of excessive stress to which the joint is subjected will no longer appear as often, since you will have stronger muscles on which wear will have less impact.
• Improves circulation: since during EMS sessions vasodilation is achieved in the cervical area that will speed up blood flow in the area. This will significantly improve the health of the neck muscles so that they are much more resistant to injury.
• Reduces muscle stress: by using less intense currents, a gentle contraction of the cervical muscles is achieved that simulates a massage, so that these muscles relax and the accumulated stress in them is reduced.

Best EMS electrostimulators to strengthen neck muscles

Among the best EMS electro stimulators that you will find on the market, the ones we present in the following list of options stand out.

One of the best options provided by the Compex brand for physical conditioning is the Compex Fit 3.0 electrostimulation unit, one of the best versions of the Compex Fit series, through which you can increase the strength and tone of your muscles in a natural way thanks to its 9 training programs.

Additionally, it includes 8 pain treatment programs, 2 recovery massage programs and 1 rehabilitation program, which will allow you to use the Compex Fit 3.0 to rest, relax and recover your muscles after a training session. The box includes 1 electrostimulator, 1 MI sensor, 1 battery, 4 packs of electrodes with 2x2 and 2x4 inch pads, 1 user guide and a carrying bag to take your massage unit wherever you want.

The TechCare Plus 24 muscle massager is one of the most comfortable and compact models available on the market. It offers the best solution for any type of muscle pain through its electrotherapy massages, which are a combination of TENS and EMS modalities, which apply low intensity currents to greatly reduce the sensation of pain in the treated area.

It includes 24 modes of use that apply different types of massages focused on dealing with particular ailments. Its lithium battery allows continuous use for more than 20 hours, and has a session timer that can be set from 10 to 60 minutes. The purchase includes 1 mini Plus 24 electro stimulator, 1 carrying case, 6 large electrodes, 2 guide cables, 1 user manual and 1 USB charger.

The wireless electrotherapy device of the OSITO brand, offers its users the functions of TENS massage for the treatment of ailments of all kinds, and TENS electrical stimulation to improve physical condition by creating activity in the muscle fibers. It has 10 modes of use between TENS and EMS modes, with 25 levels of intensity in each one.

Its design is intended to be practical and portable, so you can even keep it in your pocket and use it anytime and anywhere, avoiding the possibility of tangled cables and allowing you to use it much more easily and quickly. It is undoubtedly one of the most complete options in terms of portable electrostimulation.

Physiotherapy brand Massage Therapy Concepts brings to light the VPod electrotherapy unit, giving you fast, portable, wireless access to powerful TENS, EMS and NMES massage technologies. Its butterfly-shaped design allows it to adapt to the area you want to work and has 24 modes of use and 20 levels of intensity, and you can control it from its free app for Android and iPhone.

It has a rechargeable lithium battery for convenience, and the mobile app allows you to schedule sessions of up to 60 minutes. Additionally, the box contains 2 butterfly electrodes of different sizes, one 6.5 inch and one 8.5 inch, which adapt spectacularly to any area of the body you want to work.

The wireless electrotherapy device of the OSITO brand, offers its users the functions of TENS massage for the treatment of ailments of all kinds, and TENS electrical stimulation to improve physical condition by creating activity in the muscle fibres. It has 10 modes of use between TENS and EMS modes, with 25 levels of intensity in each one.

Its design is designed to be practical and portable, so you can even keep it in your pocket and use it at any time and place, avoiding the possibility of tangled cables and allowing you to use it much more easily and quickly. For this reason, it is one of the most complete options in terms of portable electrostimulation.

Video: How to place the electrodes pads on the neck?

Electrodes for neck

• To relieve cervical pain: Cervical pain can be located basically in any area of the neck, but is especially focused on the vertebrae, so it is likely that the pain follows the line of the cervical spine.
• To relieve torticollis: Torticollis is usually generated by contraction of one of the two sternocleidomastoids or in one of the scalenes. Whatever the case, you should lie on your side, leaving the shortened section of the neck clear to place the electrodes.
• To relieve whiplash: Whiplash usually affects both sides of the neck, so what you should do in this case is to lie on your stomach and position the electrodes.

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Most common types of neck injuries

Strangely, the neck is the least protected part of the back despite being undoubtedly the most important. It has the fewest muscles even though it must support the weight of the entire head, it has some of the most fragile bones, and on top of that it is always exposed.

This makes it easy to suffer from injuries such as the following:

• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck muscles are forced to move suddenly forward or backward, such as from sudden braking to avoid a car accident, being hit from behind in a car, or from a violent tackle while playing a contact sport. According to Harvard Health Publishing, more than one million Americans suffer this injury each year, and half of them are left with some type of recurring pain afterward.
• Neck sprain: a very dangerous injury that occurs when the ligaments of the neck are forced to overextend, to the point of generating partial or total tears in them. A specialist should be consulted to rule out damage to the cervical vertebrae.
• Neck fracture: it is generated when one of the bones of the neck fractures due to a sudden impact. It is one of the most dangerous injuries because if it affects one of the 8 cervical nerves or its vertebrae, it may cause paralysis of a part of the body and the patient may even be paralyzed.
• Nerve impingement: occurs when one of the 8 cervical nerves is involuntarily shortened or compressed, which generates a sharp and persistent pain that can even limit the mobility of the neck.
• Torticollis: consists of the temporary contraction of one of the neck muscles, which causes the head to tilt to one side and severe pain when trying to move this joint.

Differences between TENS and EMS: Which one to use for neck pain?

One of the best options to relieve neck pain caused by the aforementioned injuries is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS, which uses currents ranging from medium to low intensities to alter the pain transmission process that begins with the segregation of neurotransmitters and their reception by the C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 and C8 nerves that are distributed throughout the cervical area.

Then there is the electrical muscle stimulation or EMS, which uses medium and high intensity currents to achieve the contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, the splenius of the head or the levator scapulae, among others that make up the cervical area. The aim is to strengthen these tissues in the same way as when training them in the gym.

For pain relief in the cervical area, the best choice is TENS unit, since it offers a method free of drugs and analgesic drugs to relieve pain by altering the nerve functions that generate it in the brain. On the other hand, EMS is contraindicated for the treatment of neck pain since the contraction it generates in the neck muscles can be harmful.

However, EMS electrostimulation can be a valid option to train the cervical area and strengthen it, in order to avoid all types of future injuries. For this reason, specialists recommend its use on a regular basis to achieve this particular objective.

Contraindications in the use of electrodes and electrotherapy