How To Use TENS Machine For Back Pain A TENS machine is a comparatively small device that can be run by batteries or current from the mains. This unit will adhere to the skin with the help of sticky pads known as electrodes. These electrodes transmit small electrical impulses into the body part which is experiencing pain. This current in turn stimulates the nerves in the painful part of the body. This causes an obstruction that does not allow the nerves to send pain signals to the brain. Most oral pain kil lers work in a similar fashion but they have harmful side effects. On the other hand, a T ENS machine for back pain or pain in any other part of the body does not have any side effects. How to use TENS machine properly You should read the instruction manual and if possible, consult a good physiotherapist regarding the proper usage of this machi ne. The positioning of the electrodes should be according to the area which is painful. Two electrodes can be placed on the back if the area of pain is a small one on one side of the lower back. You should place one electrode at one end of the painful part and the other electrode on the other. It is advisable to place the electrodes on the muscles instead of placing them directly on the backbone If the painful area is in the middle of the back or on both sides of the spine, then you should use four electr odes. Here make sure to place the electrodes at least at a distance of one inch from the spine. Precautions Do not use a TENS machine for back pain if you have heart trouble, ep ilepsy, or pregnancy. You should not use the TENS machine for pain whose cause is not clear. This is because if there is some serious problem causing the pain then you should first get proper treatment for it. So with a little bit of care, TENS machines ca n help to get relief from pain in any part of the body.