How to use a TENS units & EMS machines for herniated disc? Placement of electrode pads

The human body has a fairly wide range of mobility, thanks to which we can perform a wide variety of tasks that require different types of movements. Much of this mobility is subject to the flexibility of the spine, so certain disorders that affect this area can severely limit body movement, either through lack of flexibility or tense pain. Among these disorders, one of the most common is disc herniation.

This injury can occur for a number of reasons and can be extremely limiting to body mobility as sufferers are subject to considerable pain that makes movement very laborious. In the following paragraphs, we will teach you everything you need to know about the symptoms and causes of herniated disc and how to use TENS and EMS electrotherapy techniques to treat the ailments caused by this disease.

How to use TENS machines to relieve herniated disc pain?

TENS units are very useful for the treatment of ailments caused by a variety of injuries similar to disc herniation, so their use is widespread in the field of physiotherapy.

For this reason, it is necessary to have the required knowledge to apply an effective TENS session. Next, we will show you how to position the electrodes and the configuration you should enter in the device, in order to maximize the results of the therapy.

Where to place the electrodes?

To ensure maximum effectiveness of the treatment, the electrodes should be positioned on both sides of the spine in the area affected by herniated disc pain, so that the central point of pain is in the middle of the pads.

In the particular case of the lower back, the electrodes should be positioned on the thoracolumbar fascia, on both sides of the spine, at the level of the vertebrae that are affected

Which current to use?

The current to be applied for the treatment of herniated disc pain depends on factors such as the intensity and duration of the pain. For both acute and chronic pain, the intensity varies substantially.

In case of a sudden and recent disc herniation, the intensity of the current should be approximately 100 to 120 Hz, while chronic pain requires a much lower intensity, between 2 and 10 Hz, but should be applied for longer periods to ensure full attention to the sciatic and lumbar nerve receptors.

Best TENS units to treat low back pain

The variety of TENS devices that exist for the treatment of different ailments gives us access to a wide selection of configurations and leads to alleviate herniated disc symptoms. For this purpose, we can make use of the machines described below:

HiDOw presents its XP-Micro 8 electrostimulator, a versatile and compact electrotherapy unit that combines the best of TENS and EMS technologies with a dual channel function that allows you to apply treatment and stimulation to different parts of the body simultaneously. Its function is based on the emission of electrical impulses that block pain signals, and generate muscle stimulation to help develop strength and toning.

It has 8 preset programs and 20 intensity levels, along with a session timer function that you can set between 10 and 60 minutes. Its built-in rechargeable lithium battery provides excellent durability, and the package contains 1 XP Micro 8 electrostimulator, 1 set of large pads, 1 set of small pads, 2 cables, 1 power adapter, 1 user manual and 1 carrying case to take it wherever you need it.

The TENS 7000 has one of the most complete models of electrostimulator, which includes a wide variety of functions and accessories. It is a digital unit that combines TENS and EMS technologies together with an innovative dual channel function that allows you to apply these electrostimulation modalities on different parts of the body simultaneously.

The TENS 7000 muscle stimulator includes one of the most complete electrical stimulation therapy packages you will find. It includes 1 TENS 7000 unit, 2 guide cables, 4 packs of reusable pads, 1 9-volt battery, 1 instruction manual and a hard case to carry your electrostimulation equipment wherever you want.

The Med-Fit model BAL-906ª is a very complete rechargeable electrostimulation device of premium quality that has an incredible function of 4 individual channels that will give you a great coverage and a perfect effectiveness when applying different electrical massages simultaneously. It also has a large LCD screen that makes it especially easy to operate, so you can program your sessions with great ease.

It has 24 clinically proven massage programs, which are divided into 12 TENS therapy programs and 12 muscle stimulation training modes. It has a long-life rechargeable lithium battery that will give you a great autonomy of several hours of continuous use, eliminating the extra cost of buying replacement cylindrical batteries.

The iReliev electrostimulator offers users the perfect combination of an electrical pulse massage for the relief of pain caused by injury and illness, and a muscle trainer that uses a slightly more powerful current to generate activity in the muscles. Its wireless operating system is managed by a remote control included in the box.

It has 14 operating programmes dedicated to particular functions. 7 are designed for pain relief, 1 is designed to treat arthritis, and the remaining 6 are different muscle conditioning modalities. In addition to the controller, the box includes 2 wireless pods, 2 reusable 3x5 inch adhesive electrodes, a rechargeable lithium battery, a USB charging cable, a carrying case and an instruction manual.

The Etekcity massage unit offers one of the most comprehensive pain relief experiences you will find in a device of this type, with an innovative 4-channel function that allows you to apply different types of massage to individual areas of the body, increasing the effectiveness of electrostimulation therapy and delivering far superior results.

All its modes of use are FSA and HSA approved, making it completely safe for anyone to use. It can be operated and set up very easily. The package includes reusable electrodes coated with adhesive gel in 3 sizes: 2 units of 2x4 inches, 4 units of 2x2 inches and 2 units of 1.5x1.5 inches.

How to use EMS to strengthen muscles and prevent a herniated disc?

Although EMS electrostimulation is not a treatment method for herniated disc symptoms, there is a profound relationship between strengthening the muscles of the back and the prevention of this injury, since the stress placed on the intervertebral discs is reduced, decreasing the likelihood of wear and tear in the long term.

Below, we will show you the steps to follow in order to obtain the desired results:

Where to place the electrodes?

Positioning the electrodes for lower back muscle training is really simple compared to more complex areas of the body, because the pads are placed on the lumbar frame on both sides of the spine.

In this region, the electrodes are placed in pairs just above the thoracolumbar fascia, on the border with the erector spinae muscle, so that the electrical impulses cover both muscle groups.

What intensity to use?

Strengthening the lower back muscles requires a relatively low intensity compared to other muscle groups, whereby they can increase their strength and endurance to generate better support for the lumbar region of the spine.

To improve the strength of this region, the factor to take into account is the physical condition of the user. This makes the ideal intensity vary in the range of 60 to 85 Hz. This current is usually applied in bursts of approximately 60 seconds to begin adaptation to muscle contractions.

Best EMS machines to avoid a low back injury

The training of the lower spine through EMS devices can be done in several ways, so you can find at your disposal a great variety of devices with the frequencies and intensity required to improve the muscular structure of the lumbar area and favor the prevention of disc herniation. For this, we can make use of the following devices:

Compex presents the Muscle Massage Kit that includes the versatile Compex Edge 2.0 electrostimulator, which is presented as one of the most effective options to complement physical training, thanks to its 4 programs of use, 2 for strength training, 1 for recovery, and 1 TENS massage mode, which will allow you to increase the strength and endurance of your muscles, while reducing the ailments caused by fatigue.

The package includes 12 clip-type electrodes, 4 guide wires, built-in battery and a dust-proof bag so you can take your electrostimulation device with you wherever you go. Its training modes will allow you to increase your endurance and explosive strength, while the recovery modes will allow you to expel lactic acid and reduce aches and pains caused by post-workout exhaustion.

This electrostimulation unit brought to light by iReliev, is a powerful and versatile machine that combines the latest in TENS and EMS technology to create a device that will allow you to develop the strength, size and tone of your muscles, along with gentle stimulation designed to treat all types of muscle and joint ailments caused by injury, fatigue or illness.

It has a total of 14 massage modes, of which 7 are TENS-type currents for pain relief, 1 mode for arthritis pain treatment, and 6 modes for muscle recovery and therapy. In addition, you can adjust the intensity to any of its 25 levels, and define the duration of each session from 5 to 60 minutes thanks to its timer function.

One of the best features of the Belifu electro stimulator is its 4 independent channels that allow you to individually treat different areas of the body with the different modes of use available. This electrotherapy machine has 24 programs and 30 intensity levels with different massage modes for pain relief and muscle stimulation.

The Belifu electric massager includes 10 reusable self-adhesive conductive pads and 5 sets of guide wires. The electrodes are coated with a layer of adhesive that gives them perfect adhesion to the skin, and with proper care, can withstand many uses before they need to be replaced.

This multifunction electrotherapy device is one of the most complete and versatile electro stimulators you will find. Brought to light by TechCare Massage, this device combines the most commonly used electrostimulation technologies to treat different types of ailments. The TENS and EMS technologies allow you to relieve acute and chronic ailments, deep muscle pain and promote the rehabilitation and regeneration of muscle fibers.

It includes 24 massage programs in total, which are designed to treat a wide variety of ailments. Each of the modes has 4 different options to choose from, and comes with all the accessories you may need, from electrodes and guide wires to a user guide and an electrode positioning guide.

The Neocarbon electrostimulation kit includes everything you could need for the treatment of ailments, thanks to its device incorporating TENS and EMS electrotherapy modalities, and dual channel function combined with 24 modes of use and 20 levels of intensity, which means that you can apply complete treatments to different parts of the body simultaneously.

The use of TENS and EMS that this device provides will allow you to use them to apply relaxing massages that relieve any ailment in a natural way, stimulating the production of endorphins and blocking the body's pain signals, as well as electrical discharges that stimulate muscle movement, creating contractions that encourage the growth of muscle fibers, increasing the tone and strength of the muscles.

Video: How to place electrodes pads for disc herniation?

Electrodes for lower back

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What is herniated disc and what are the causes?

A herniated disc is an injury that consists of the degradation of the intervertebral discs, which are responsible for providing cushioning to the vertebrae during movement, preventing them from colliding with each other. This degeneration results in a collision between the vertebrae when performing certain movements, causing a sensation of pain that can become disabling for the patient.

In most cases, the exact causes of disc herniation are not precise. It is caused by an aging effect called disc degeneration, to which the following factors contribute:

• Age: after 45 years of age, the degeneration of the intervertebral discs accelerates.
• Work and hobbies: professions or hobbies that require bending and lifting heavy objects may increase the probability of suffering herniated discs.
• Genetics: a history of low back disorders may influence a patient's likelihood of developing herniated discs
• Smoking: excessive tobacco consumption is a factor that builds up the degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
• Obesity: the external pressure applied to the spine due to overweight increases friction between the vertebrae, causing disc erosion and greatly increasing the likelihood of herniated discs and other low back injuries.

What are the most common types of lumbar injury?

Although disc herniation can occur in almost any area of the back, its most common area of effect is the lumbar area, and in addition to disc herniation, the lumbar region is particularly vulnerable to a variety of disorders and injuries that can severely limit movement and cause intense pain in the patient.

Among the most common lumbar disorders are those described below:

• Vertebral impingement: is an injury caused by a blockage of one or more vertebrae, resulting in limited movement and stabbing pain.
• Arthrosis: is a progressive degeneration of the cartilage that forms the intervertebral discs, limiting the cushioning they provide.
• Sciatica: is an ailment caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve and can generate pain that radiates from the lower back to the feet.
• Lumbago: it is a generalized pain in the lower back that can be caused by several reasons, from muscular stress to trauma.
• Scoliosis: is a deviation of a portion of the spine that can occur in the cervical, dorsal or lumbar area, it is a congenital condition.

Differences between TENS and EMS: Which is better for treating disc herniation?

Electrotherapy treatment has been proven to be effective in relieving the ailments caused by disc herniation when applied correctly. For this, there are certain factors that must be taken into consideration, such as the difference between TENS therapy and EMS therapy, and the different effects that each has on the nerves and muscles.

In the case of TENS therapy, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, it can be defined as a method of physiotherapy applied for the relief of pain caused by trauma and disease, and is characterized by a number of unique properties, among which we can highlight:

• They apply electric currents ranging from 1 to 250 Hz.
• Its electrical impulses interact directly with the tissue of the sciatic nerve and its branches, reducing the sensation of pain.
• It works as a blocker of pain receptors, preventing signals from reaching the affected area to the brain.
• Its use is widespread in the field of physiotherapy, in the area of treatment of symptoms caused by injuries and disorders.

For its part, EMS therapy or Electro Muscle Stimulation, is not focused on the treatment of ailments, but on muscle training and conditioning for high competition athletes and regular users. This training technique can be highlighted by the following characteristics:

• It was designed as a method of physical conditioning.
• Its electrical impulses vary between 70 and 150 Hz.
• Itdirectly stimulates the muscle tissue, promoting its growth and the generation of muscle fibers through contractions.
• It is used for both physiotherapy and physical training.

With this information, the most accurate conclusion favors the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) over Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS), thanks to the fact that its low frequency electrical impulses are designed to interact with the nerve endings of the sensory branches of the sciatic nerve and the terminal ramifications of the lumbar nerves, limiting their ability to receive pain impulses from the brain and gradually mitigating the sensation of pain in the patient.

On the other hand, muscular electrostimulation therapy does not offer herniated disc patients the required sensation of relief, since its electrical impulses do not interact with the nerve branches of the lumbar region, but with the muscle tissue, causing contractions that can generate intense pain by directly stimulating the sciatic and lumbar nerves, damaging the patient's integrity.

Contraindications in the use of electrodes and electrotherapy