Anyone had success with TENS?

cfreund · 10-10-2002, 08:19 PM

My TMJ doc sent me home two days ago with a TENS unit. Basically I hook up these electrodes to both sides of my face at my jaws. It's supposed to relax the muscles and relieve pain. It's going to be a daily thing for a month and I was wondering if any of you have used one and had much success.

Thanks!

thisstarr · 10-11-2002, 04:28 AM

Hi,
I have never used one before, but it sounds like it would be great! I need to ask my dentist for one,Doe's your dentist offer it to all his tmj paitents? It would be nice to get out of some pain

let us know if it works

Good luck!

Starr

cfreund · 10-11-2002, 06:34 PM

I don't think my doc prescribes the TENS unit to others. I have a very unusual case with my TM joint. My jaw is dislocated forward and the muscles are not allowing it to go back in. I think he may do some TENS therapy in his office, but don't know if anyone has actually taken one home to use. That's why I'm wondering if anyone from this group--with all of your great (UGH) experience--has done so and if it helped. I'll keep you posted.

Marlene · 10-11-2002, 08:21 PM

Hi cfreund,

Yes, I used a TENS unit as part of my TMJ treatment and had fairly good success with it. Mine was somewhat different than the one you described, but the intended effect was the same. When I was going for Physiotherapy, the type of TENS unit my physiotherapist used on me was for "Microcurrent Stimulation of Accupressure Points". I usually got some immediate relief from my tight muscles, and muscles in spasm. Eventually, I got sustained relief that lasted for days. I finally reached a point in my physiotherapy that I purchased a TENS unit intended for home use (also somewhat different than what you described, and smaller). It worked on the same principle as what was used on me by my physiotherapist. At first, I used it quite frequently, then only on occasion. Can't remember the last time I had to use it now! It cost about $150.00 (Canadian).

Hope this info helps,
Marlene