How To Use A TENS Unit For Lower Back Pain

If you are experiencing pain in your upper back and have a TENS unit then keep reading to find out the correct placement of the electrode pads.  TENS units provide instant pain relief and when used properly are a great medication free way of managing upper back pain.

TENS Unit Placement For Upper Back Pain

Pay close attention to where the pads are being placed.  For starters never place the electrode pad directly on your spinal cord.  Always put them on either side of the spinal column. As you can see in the picture you want to make sure that the electrode pads are spaced out by at least 2-3 inches for maximum pain relief.

Best TENS Unit For Upper Back Pain

This is the exact TENS unit that I use. It is perfect for alleviating many common types of pain. The iReliev is a great little device and has a lot going for it.

It is well under $80 and has several programs to choose from and is small enough to fit in your pocket.

You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a quality TENS unit and iReliev gives you a ton of value for the price being paid.

Best part is they are based in Dallas, Texas and have phenomenal customer service FREE shipping and delivery in less than 5 days.

Get yours today on the iReliev website by clicking here. 

Why should you trust me?
I have extensively used TENS units for neck, shoulder, back and knee issues and became familiar with TENS therapy through countless visits to my chiropractor and physical therapist’s office. I have spent many hours researching and reading how TENS therapy can alleviate pain.

I consider myself knowledgeable in the use of TENS units and have used them regularly to help manage pain over the years.

Many of my recommendations are from firsthand experience/use and hopefully my information can be a benefit to you.

Want to know where else a TENS unit can be placed?  Check out my TENS placement guide for how to use one for-

Knee Pain
Neck Pain
Shoulder Pain
Tension Headaches
Golfer’s Elbow
Plantar Fasciitis
Rotator Cuff Pain
Restless Leg Syndrome
Ulnar Nerve Pain
TMJ Pain

Can You Use A TENS Unit For Upper Back Pain?

The answer is a definite YES.  TENS units are a great medication free method of pain management and are very easy to use.  Along with blocking pain they also assist in reducing inflammation.  There are many studies that show the effectiveness of TENS units in relieving pain and they are becoming more popular as people look for alternatives to aspirin or other stronger pain medications.

Tips when using a TENS unit

• Always clean the skin where the pads will be placed.  By removing any dirt or oil from the skin it will prolong the life of your electrode pads and make them adhere to your skin.
• Do not place electrode pads over broken skin or any open wounds.
• The pads should never touch one another and always be at least 2 inches apart. This increases the effectiveness of the treatment also increase.
• Experiment with the settings on your TENS unit.  Most have several programs to choose from and choose the one that delivers pain relief.
• Always place the electrode pad back on the plastic square so it keeps any dirt or lint from clogging the pad.