TENS

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The NHS describes it as a treatment that gives temporary pain relief. A TENS unit passes a weak electrical current through electrode pads on the skin. Under 21 CFR 882.5890, FDA describes this type of device as one used to apply an electrical current to electrodes on a patient's skin to treat pain. The NHS also says TENS does not work for everyone. A 2022 review in Medicina found TENS may have efficacy for some acute and chronic pain conditions, but the size of the effect is uncertain. Ask your clinician whether TENS fits your pain, and follow your clinician's and your device's instructions. For the full picture, read TENS units: what they are and how they work.