I discovered that I am covered for a personal TENS machine and I love it! None of the painkilers were working for my Sciatica (unstable sacroilliac joint). I've been going for PT and doing the exercises etc and nothing seemed to help. When the PT used the TENS on me it was immediate relief. She suggested I look into a personal one and it was a big surprise to find I was covered. (the cost is prohibitive!)
Now I am not rotting my stomach with painkillers. (that didn't work anyway).
If anyone is able to use one you should have a PT show you how to use the settings and where to place the patches. They are also NOT for people with heart problems.
I can even hook myself up at work. (Airline). Lots of walking on basically concrete floors etc. My only worry is that security will freak at the small "box" hooked on my belt! I am on vacation right now, but have to check if it's OK to wear through the security scanner.
I am ecstatic that I've discovered this way to control the pain. I was getting sick of trying various painkillers, anti-inflammatories etc.
I'm scheduled for an MRI in ? months so this will help tide me over I hope.
Has anyone else used one of these and what did you think?....Tagger

If it works for you, go for it. I wore one for couple months, didn't help.
Glad you have found relief.
Dick

I also have a personal tens unit. Some days it works great...others not at all. But mostly it helps a little more than enough http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif I hope yours continues to help greatly. I wore mine on my last trip into the Federal building but I took the unit itslef off and put it in my bag to go thru the scanner. The contacts and wires i left on it worked ok for me that way. Best of luck to you. God Bless!

Leroy

It worked for me. Used one for years before my sucessfull L-4/L-5 Fusion surgery!
A Tens unit....in my book.....is GREAT!

I too have recently discovered the unit in PT. I now have one and get a lot of relief from it. Glad you are too! Only time it doesn't help me is when I'm driving. Oh well, most is better than none, right? Take care ~Daubie

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Car Accident 2/2/02
Herniated disc L5/S1
Epidurals x3, PT 4 mos, some relief
Microdiscectomy 6/6/03

I just got one from my chiropractor and I LOVE it!! I've had it 2 weeks and already can't imagine my life without it. My insurance didn't cover it, but he gave it to me at cost, which was next to nothing!