Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, commonly known as TENS, is a popular way to control both chronic and acute pain.
These days, TENS units come in many varieties and are even portable enough to use whenever and wherever you need pain relief. However, because there is electrical stimulation involved in this pain-relieving process, is it possible to use a TENS unit if you have a pacemaker or ICD fitted?
You must talk to your doctor about your pacemaker and TENS unit before use. Most manufacturers recommend against use if you have a pacemaker, but it depends on the type of pacemaker. Regardless, your doctor should know what you’re doing before you try any sort of TENS unit with a pacemaker!
I’ll explain below.
Pacemaker and TENS Unit
If you asked most TENS unit manufacturers, they would not recommend that you use your device if you have a pacemaker. That’s because the electrical frequencies that are transmitted by the electrodes placed on the skin can cause the pacemaker to basically short circuit.
This is why many feel that you should never use a TENS unit if you have a pacemaker fitted. Otherwise, the electrical stimulations emitted by the device can affect the pacemaker, and stop it from functioning properly, which can result in irregular heart action.
And this means that any pain you may have in your body will have to instead be controlled by using painkillers, muscle relaxants, or other anti-inflammation medication, although these in themselves can end up causing a host of other side effects that you’ll need to deal with — many times with even more prescription drugs.
However, like with anything, there are always exceptions to any rule.
This study in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation discusses the possibility of using a TENS unit with a pacemaker. It discussed the possibility of using a TENS unit under the supervision of a doctor during use.
Regardless, this will totally depend on what type of pacemaker you have fitted, and if your cardiologist thinks using TENS will be a viable option for you to control your pain.
Can You Use A TENS Unit With A Pacemaker?
So, can you use a TENS unit with a pacemaker? Well, the answer to this is actually a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.
According to a 2017 study in the Journal of Rehabilitation Assisted Technologies, TENS units are not recommended if you have a synchronous pacemaker fitted, because of the interference of the alternating high frequency signals that are emitted into the electromagnetic field of the body during a treatment.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they can’t be used altogether if this is your situation. Because (with proper guidance and oversight from your cardiologist), they may allow you to get pain relief from using a TENS unit if your pacemaker can be reprogrammed.
Of course, this will all depend on your individual case though. In addition, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to use a TENS unit on your neck and back. You definitely will not be able to use it on your chest or anywhere else on the torso.
According to a 2017 study in the Journal of Rehabilitation Assisted Technologies, TENS units are not recommended if you have a synchronous pacemaker fitted, because of the interference of the alternating high frequency signals that are emitted into the electromagnetic field of the body during a treatment.
On the other hand, if you have an asynchronous pacemaker, or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (which is also known as an ICD) fitted, then it is generally considered safe for you to use a TENS unit if approved by your doctor. However again, this won’t be a complete given, and the device should still not be used on the torso.
Although most studies have shown that using a TENS unit doesn’t necessarily inhibit bipolar pacing, there’s always the potential that it can interfere with it. Therefore, you will need to discuss using a TENS unit with your cardiologist, who may need to reprogram the pulse generated by your pacemaker.
You will need to discuss using a TENS unit with your cardiologist, who may need to reprogram the pulse generated by your pacemaker.
Using A Pacemaker With A TENS Unit
If you suffer from severe chronic pain and don’t want to continue using pain medication for whatever reason, there is a way in which to try out a TENS unit.
However, you will need to trial this with your cardiologist before attempting to use a TENS unit at home on your own for the first time.
If your cardiologist or consultant feels like you will benefit from the treatment, then they can set up your TENS unit to monitor your heart, and to test how your pacemaker will react to the electrical pulses emitted, in order to make sure that it is suitable for use with the device.
If you have had any recent heart disturbance issues, such as a heart attack, coronary thrombosis, or myocarditis diagnosis, then it is imperative that you do this first before using a TENS machine on yourself at home.
Final Thoughts
If you have a pacemaker, and suffer from chronic pain, then using prescription drugs to alleviate your symptoms may be the easiest option available, although this comes with its own complications, due to their side effects.
But now you know that with the help of your cardiologist, it may be possible to have a pacemaker and use a TENS unit to control your pain.
