Can You Overuse A TENS Unit?

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Whenever you’re experiencing pain, the first thing you probably do is go to the medicine cabinet to grab a bottle of painkillers. But we all know that’s not a great solution. 

This is why electrotherapy devices like TENS units have become popular additions to medical care in recent years. They are an affordable and drug-free way of treating pain when you need it.

When using a TENS Unit, you won’t have to worry about the innumerable side effects that painkillers can cause you, especially when dealing with chronic pain issues. 

But can you overuse a TENS unit? Basically no, though if you go too far you may experience discomfort. In this article, I’ll go into detail on the signs you might be using your TENS unit too much.


Can You Overuse A TENS Unit?

TENS Unit

When you compare painkillers to electrotherapy devices like TENS units, there’s a big difference, even though they both treat and manage pain. 

That’s because painkillers have the possibility of causing many side effects, while TENS units are FDA-approved, and are considered both safe and effective to use. This is one of the many reasons why they have become so popular in recent years.

TENS units are FDA-approved, and are considered both safe and effective to use. This is one of the many reasons why they have become so popular in recent years.

So, you may be pleased to know that there’s no risk in using this pain treatment option, as long as you take the right precautions, and follow the instructions as directed. 

This means that, technically, there’s no way that you can overuse a TENS unit, although you may need to take a break every now and then.

Can You Use A TENS Unit Too Much?

Basically, your body will give you signals when you should give it a rest if you’ve been using your TENS unit a lot. The most common signal of excess use would be excessive muscle twitching when you’re using it, which can end up giving you sore muscles if you let it go on for too long.

The most common signal of excess use would be excessive muscle twitching when you’re using it, which can end up giving you sore muscles if you let it go on for too long.

Excessive muscle twitching can happen if you’ve set your TENS unit too high to begin with. To remedy this, you should start your session with the TENS unit set to zero, and then increase the intensity setting as you need it.

You should also take breaks every once in a while. For example, try and use your TENS unit for 15 to 30 minutes, and then take a break until the next hour, which will help you to avoid any overstimulation of the muscles being treated.


Can A TENS Unit Make Pain Worse?

In extremely rare cases, it is possible that the pain you have after using a TENS unit feels worse than it did before you used it. This may be because you have a low pain threshold, or more likely because, again, you have put the TENS unit on too high a setting.

In extremely rare cases, it is possible that the pain you have after using a TENS unit feels worse than it did before you used it. This may be because you have a low pain threshold, or more likely because, again, you have put the TENS unit on too high a setting.

One way to avoid this is to spread the electrode pads further apart from each other in the area that is being treated. If you have really sore muscles after using your TENS unit, then you should take a break from using the device until the intensity of the pain has subsided.

When you use your TENS unit again, then start your session on the zero setting, and only increase the stimulation if you feel the need to.

Possible Adverse Effects Of Using A TENS Unit Too Much

Of course, as with anything, overdoing it may cause a bit of a problem. Although using a TENS unit is completely safe, and should not cause you any serious damage, if you have set it too high or you left the pads on too long, there is a potential that you can experience certain discomforts.

For example, if your skin is sensitive, then you may experience some irritation where the electrode pads are placed. This could be because they’ve been left on for too long. 

To prevent this from happening, make sure that the area of skin has been cleaned and dried properly before you place the electrode pads on, and then check the skin every 10 minutes or so, to make sure no irritation has occurred.

The most common possible side effect from using a TENS unit is burn marks that are left on the skin where the electrode pads have been placed. This happens when the TENS unit intensity level has been set too high, or the pads have been left on the skin for too long.

Technically though, you should feel this irritation happening before it gets too bad. Always make sure you start your TENS unit at the lowest setting, and don’t place the electrode pads on any skin that is already irritated, or even wounded, such as an open blister or sore. 

Always make sure you start your TENS unit at the lowest setting, and don’t place the electrode pads on any skin that is already irritated, or even wounded, such as an open blister or sore.

Any burns or damaged skin that you do get after using a TENS unit, which again is extremely unlikely, can be treated with aloe vera gel. This will help to facilitate a faster healing process.

If you experience any unpleasant electric shocks when you’re using a TENS unit, this means that your skin isn’t clean and thoroughly dry, or the electrode pads haven’t been placed on your skin in the proper way. 

This is easily remedied by following the manufacturer’s instructions on where it is safe to place the pads, and making sure that your skin is clean and dry before placing them.

Another side effect that can happen when using a TENS unit is nerve damage if it is used around your face. This is because your head area is much more senspreitive than the rest of your body, and this is why it is advised not to place the electrode pads anywhere on your neck or above.

Finally, it is suggested that you don’t use your TENS unit while you’re operating machinery or driving a car. Although you can wear the pads as you go about your daily activities, the electrical pulses that stimulate your nerves can move your muscles in ways that you have no control over. 

Can A TENS Unit Hurt You?

TENS units and other electrotherapy devices have been approved by the FDA for home use for a good reason — they are a reliably safe and effective way to control pain, and at an affordable price. This means that TENS units, when used properly, can in no way hurt you. 

As we’ve mentioned above, there’s a slight chance that you may experience some discomfort if the unit has been set too high, or the electrode pads aren’t monitored or placed in an area of unbroken skin, but otherwise they can’t hurt you.

The one thing you will definitely want to consider is using a TENS unit if you’re pregnant. Electrotherapy devices like the TENS unit are considered safe for pregnancy after 37 weeks, but there are no studies of use before that. There is a chance that doing so will cause premature labor contractions.

This means that there are certain areas that you should avoid when using a TENS unit while pregnant. These include placing the electrode pads anywhere near your uterus, the webbed area of skin that sits between your thumb and index finger, the top of your shoulders, and the lower legs and ankles.

If you’re pregnant and considering TENS therapy, consult with your doctor before you start.


Is It Bad To Use A TENS Unit Too Much?

There’s nothing to stop you from using your TENS unit whenever you need it. For instance, if you’re dealing with chronic lower back pain, and your TENS unit is on a lower setting, you can use it for as long as you want, if you’re not experiencing any irritation. 

You can even use your TENS unit throughout the day, if you’re having period cramps, or suffering from a muscle injury, for example. 

Just keep an eye on the skin where the electrode pads are placed, and perhaps move them around. You can also take a break between sessions, such as using the TENS unit for 15 minutes every hour or so, or whenever you feel you need it.

Final Thoughts

Using a TENS unit to control and manage your pain is a much better path than taking painkillers, which can cause numerous side effects, especially with extended use. 

And the possible discomfort you may experience when using your TENS unit can easily be remedied, as we’ve discussed in this blog. This is why TENS units are considered a safe and effective treatment for pain relief. 

So, can you overuse a TENS unit? Basically, no, as long as you don’t go crazy. Follow the instructions, use common sense, and take a break when you notice any irritation. You can rest assured that your TENS unit is safe, and you can enjoy a pain-free day ahead.