Can a TENS machine help with nerve regeneration? (2023)

Can TENS regenerate nerves?

Objective: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a noninvasive electrical stimulation therapy indicated for pain control that has been applied for the regeneration of nerves.

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body's own pain killers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain.

Takeaways. Question: Does electrical stimulation improve peripheral nerve regeneration after injury? Findings: Electrical stimulation applied to injured peripheral nerves during surgical repair can greatly enhance nerve recovery—both sensory and motor functions.

Several studies have shown that direct electrical stimulation of the injured nerves can enhance sensory and motor axon regeneration, hasten functional recovery, and facilitate reinnervation [2, 5–11].

Electrical stimulation at a frequency of 20Hz for one hour accelerates the outgrowth of axons across the site of surgical repair of transected nerve stumps to result in accelerated target reinnervation.

The disadvantages are that: it doesn't work for everybody. TENS machines can't be used in the bath or shower.

It is suggested that TENS stimulates skin wound healing and tendon repair, as well as the viability of random skin flaps. Such effects may be due to the release of SP and CGRP, which would increase blood flow and, consequently, hasten the events of tissue repair.

Peripheral Neuropathy (upper extremities)

Electrode Placement Channel 1: Place one electrode anterior and inferior to the acromion. Place the other electrode near the lateral epicondyle. Channel 2: Place one electrode over the anterior wrist. Place the other electrode over the carpal area.

If your nerve is bruised or traumatized but is not cut, it should recover over 6-12 weeks. A nerve that is cut will grow at 1mm per day, after about a 4 week period of 'rest' following your injury. Some people notice continued improvement over many months.

How do you regenerate nerves naturally?

Green and leafy vegetables.

Broccoli, spinach and asparagus all contain vitamin B, a nutrient important for nerve regeneration and nerve function. Spinach, broccoli and kale also contain a micronutrient called alpha-lipoic acid that prevents nerve damage and improves nerve function.

On average, human peripheral nerves regenerate at a rate of approximately 1 inch per month. This rate is close to the slow axonal transport rate and is largely dictated by the need to move neurofilaments and microtubules, building blocks of axons, through the long axons (6, 7).

While the peripheral nervous system has an intrinsic ability for repair and regeneration, the central nervous system is, for the most part, incapable of self-repair and regeneration. There is currently no treatment for recovering human nerve function after injury to the central nervous system.

Summary: Unlike nerves of the spinal cord, the peripheral nerves that connect our limbs and organs to the central nervous system have an astonishing ability to regenerate themselves after injury.

Benefits of Vibration for Neuropathy

In addition to strengthening our muscles and improving muscular coordination, vibration therapy helps the sensory nerves grow stronger and repair. The increased stimulus of vibration triggers mechanisms of cellular repair and healing.

B Vitamins

Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.

After surgery, it can take a year for a nerve to regrow completely. Then it can take another year or more for the nerve to mature and for the nerve and muscle to form a good connection.

The pain is a sign of irritation of the nerve; tingling is a sign of regeneration; or more precisely, tingling indicates the presence of young axons, in the process of growing.

Regeneration of Neural Tissues

Axon regeneration has three phases: sprouting, elongation, and maturation (McQuarrie, 1983).

TENS is generally regarded as safe. But it has risks just like any other medical procedure. For example, if the electrical current is too high or the electrodes are placed on the wrong part of the body, it can burn or irritate the skin. The "danger zones" include the brain, heart, eyes, genitals, and throat.

How long do the effects of TENS last?

The post-stimulation analgesic effects of TENS can therefore last anywhere from five minutes to 18 hours (Woolf, 1991). Some patients' pain levels do not return to pre-stimulation levels even after 24 hours (Cheing et al, 2003).

You can safely use a TENS machine as often as you like. Usually for 30-60 minutes up to 4 times daily. TENS can provide relief for up to four hours.

You may find that it can take up to 30 minutes to feel benefit / effects from TENS machine.

TENS therapy can be used to treat pain from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injuries, and neuropathy.

How Well Does TENS work? Researchers generally agree that TENS can provide sufficient relief of DPN pain, especially during initial use, although its long-term effectiveness is unclear. While some patients may experience enduring benefits, for others the analgesia may occur only during actual stimulation.

It is suggested that TENS stimulates skin wound healing and tendon repair, as well as the viability of random skin flaps. Such effects may be due to the release of SP and CGRP, which would increase blood flow and, consequently, hasten the events of tissue repair.

Can TENS units help pinched nerves? As a result of too much pressure from its surrounding tissues, a pinched nerve causes pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness. The pressure on the nerve can also disrupt its function. TENS unit neck placement for pain can heal your damaged nerves and improve function.

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation may prevent muscle atrophy due to immobilization, thereby shortening rehabilitation time.

TENS therapy can be used to treat pain from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, spinal cord injuries, and neuropathy.

What are the disadvantages of TENS therapy?

The disadvantages are that: it doesn't work for everybody. TENS machines can't be used in the bath or shower.

You can safely use a TENS machine as often as you like. Usually for 30-60 minutes up to 4 times daily. TENS can provide relief for up to four hours.

Do not apply TENS therapy to the abdomen; pelvic area; lower back; or to acupuncture points at the knee, hand or ankle. (However, TENS can be used for labor pain.) Cancer. Do not apply electrodes to areas of the body where there is known or suspected cancer.

Electrode Placement Option 2 Channel 1: Place one electrode just above the superior border of the patella at the midline. Place the other electrode on the upper anterior thigh over the femoral nerve. Channel 2: Place one pair of electrodes at the front and back of the stump (on either side of any incisional scar).

Neurogenic atrophy typically can't be reversed because of the physical damage that's been done to your nerves.

Getting regular exercise and trying physical therapy may reverse this form of muscle atrophy. People can treat muscle atrophy by making certain lifestyle changes, trying physical therapy, or undergoing surgery.

Alteration of Pain Intensity

These studies have suggested that using high frequency TENS boosts impulse rates which, in turn, convey a stronger input to central nervous system. This will restrain the nociceptive transmission of second-order neurons to the brain based on the gate control theory of pain.