Here at TENS Machine pro we are absolutely determined to help as many people as possible find relief to their ailments. We truly believe that there are better ways to relieve pain than regular harsh and addictive pain killers.
For this reason we have decided to write this article to show you how a TENS machine could help relieve your Sciatica. Using an electro therapy unit to relieve your Sciatica could not be easier and yet it is very effective.
Now we will have a look at what Sciatica is and how we can help along with our most recommended TENS machines for Sciatica relief.
Will a TENS machine help with Sciatica?
I want to start off with directly answering this question for those that do not have the time to read how a TENS machine can help. So will a TENS machine help with Sciatica pain? The quick answer to this question is yes, a TENS machine will help with relief of sciatica symptoms. However a TENS machine will not directly treat sciatica. The aim of using a TENS machine in sciatica treatment is to reduce the pain signals that are received in the brain, allowing you to get on with your life.
Please read on to see exactly how and why a TENS machine is able to provide you with this sciatica pain relief.
What is Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition caused by the irritation of the Sciatic nerve. The Sciatic nerve runs all the way from your hips and down to your feet. There are many different reasons why your Sciatic nerve could become irritated or inflamed. By far the most common cause is patients who are suffering from a slipped disk in their back. When the herniated disk moves it can place pressure on the Sciatic nerve which causes the irritation.
In most cases Sciatica will clear up on its own accord in 4 to 6 weeks although in some cases it can last a lot longer. Whilst suffering from Sciatica patients can feel a number of pains and sensations in the lower body, these include but are not limited to:
The most common symptoms of Sciatica.
- Pain in the form of sharp stabbing, burning or even shooting throughout the legs and bottom.
- A tingling feeling just like pins and needles.
- A feeling of weakness in the legs and feet or other affected areas.
- There may be a sense of numbness in the legs, feet and bottom areas.
- Pain in the lower back and hip.
- A very strong shooting pain up the legs that can make it difficult to stand.
This list is not exhaustive and there can be a number of other symptoms. However these are the most common and most Sciatica sufferers will have experienced them at some point in time.
Treating Sciatica with a TENS Machine.
Even though there are many different exercises and techniques to help ease the discomfort caused by Sciatica it can still be pretty awful for the sufferer.
Modern advances in technology now mean we can help treat and alleviate the symptoms of Sciatica by using a TENS Machine. A TENS machine helps by sending small but continuous pulses of electricity through small electrodes placed on your skin.
The pulses of electricity then make their way through your skin and into the Sciatic nerve branches and endings.
This in turn causes two processes to take place:
- The first process is that the body responds to the pulses by releasing Endorphins into the bloodstream. Endorphins are the bodies natural painkiller and as such work to then take the edge of the pain away.
- The second phase is that the pulses actually interfere with the Sciatic nerve and its branches. What this means is that it can block and redirect the pain signals that are trying to enter the nervous system, in turn this can reduce or stop the symptoms of your Sciatica.
One of the main benefits of TENS machine treatment for Sciatica is that it can be administered anywhere and anytime that it is needed. Most of the newer machines are very small and discreet and can be placed in your pocket. TENS units can provide a safe and non addictive alternative to the usual techniques, bringing reduced discomfort and mobility to Sciatica sufferers.
The benefits of using a TENS machine to treat Sciatica.
Using a TENS machine to treat Sciatica has many benefits over conventional methods. One of the biggest benefits is that it provides natural drug free pain relief to the sufferer.
In this day and age many people are trying to keep away from over the counter and prescription medication. There are nasty and harsh side effects and not to mention the addictive nature of these chemicals. By using a TENS machine you are getting a natural relief from your Sciatica pain.
TENS machine are also very cost effective as well. Decent units can now be bought for a great price and once the initial outlay is paid it will last you a very long time. It can also be used to help treat a number of other aches and pains you or your family may feel in the future.
How to use a TENS Machine to treat Sciatica symptoms.
Using a TENS Machine for Sciatica relief couldn’t be any more easy. Most cases of Sciatica pains radiate out from the lower back area so we place the sticky pad electrodes there and along the Sciatic nerve. The diagram below shows you the exact areas to place your TENS machine electrodes to treat Sciatica. Always make sure that your electrodes are damp enough with gel before applying to the skin.
Once you have placed the electrodes in the correct place as shown in the example above you can turn on the TENS Machine.
It is now simply a case of choosing a mode and setting the strength and frequency. Turn up the frequency and power until it has reached a point where your pain has decreased or stopped altogether. You should find that you will not need to use any more than 50-75% of the power available. It really is as simple as that and allows you to carry on your life as you did before.
Choosing the best TENS Machine for Sciatica treatment.
This is the most important part of treating your Sciatica with a TENS Machine, choosing the right unit. You will need one that treats your lower back and also the Sciatic nerve at the same time, to do this we use one that is dual channel.
A dual channel TENS machine can be used with different frequencies and power levels on each set of two electrodes which is perfect for what we need. Each set of electrodes is set independently to the other but all through the same unit.
We recommend the below TENS Machines for the treatment of Sciatica. All work incredibly well at treating Sciatica and cover all budgets. Whichever you choose to try you can trust that it will offer a great relief to your symptoms.
The best US TENS machine for treating Sciatica.
The below TENS machine is the best available TENS machine for the US market. It is also our favourite in UK market as well. The Med-Fit Premier is an amazing unit that is perfect for this sort of treatment.
It provides many different modes and sensitivity settings which means there will be one that is absolutely perfect for your needs. By clicking the link below you will be taken to the best available price on Amazon.
Med-Fit BAL-906A Premier 4 Channel Easy Rechargeable
UK TENS machines for Sciatica treatment.
Below you will find a selection of TENS machines for the UK market that are perfect for Sciatica treatment.
There is one for all budgets so you can be guaranteed that you will find the perfect TENS unit for your needs.
The best budget TENS machine for Sciatica relief.
Our best budget TENS unit is the Kinetik Wellbeing Dual channel. We rate it very highly for a variety of different ailments as it is very effective at treatment and is sold for an incredibly low price. It is that good that it is actually endorsed here in the UK by St Johns Ambulance. It is one of the smallest and portable units that we have tried and tested. There is great battery life and the battery is inbuilt and rechargeable.
If you would like to read our full review of this unit please follow this Kinetic Wellbeing. If you would like to view this TENS machine on Amazon where we found it for the best price click the image below.
The best mid price range TENS machine for Sciatica.
If you have a slightly larger budget available to spend on a TENS machine to treat your Sciatica symptoms then the Med-Fit Premier plus is a great TENS machine to treat your Sciatica. It is a little more refined in user experience than the previous model which is reflected in its slightly higher price.
Again, this a a small and light unit that comes with a rechargeable battery with plenty of life. It is also dual channel which means it is perfect for the treatment that need. You can view our full review and test by clicking on this link or you can see the best price available on Amazon by clicking the below image.
The best TENS machine for Sciatica relief and treatment.
The slightly more expensive model is called the Med-Fit Premier EV906. This unit is much more powerful and will help to treat even the most severe cases of Sciatica.
If you can afford the extra few pounds of its purchase price we highly recommend doing so as it is worth it. It features quad channel electrodes offering you even more effective relief of symptoms. There are a lot more power settings and easy to use modes which will mean a better chance of finding the most effective setting for your own needs. Like the two previous models listed this one is small and portable and offers a great battery that is rechargeable .
If you would like to read our review of the Med-Fit Premier EV906 then please check out this link where we take a much more in-depth look at it. or if you would like to view it on Amazon please click on the below image and you will be taken straight to it.
In conclusion…
We really hope that this guide has helped you find a new way to treat and relieve your Sciatica symptoms. Any of the above TENS machine will work effectively to provide you with a drug free method to cope with this debilitating problem.
Although they cannot cure Sciatica they can certainly help to ease the suffering and pain. It is recommended that you consult a doctor before using any form of treatment and relief.
If you have any questions about Sciatica or the machines featured do not hesitate to ask. We can be contacted through the comments section and will get back to you as soon as possible. We would now like to wish you the best of lucky in your recovery from Sciatica.