How to Use a TENS Unit for Neck Pain Relief

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How to Use a TENS Unit for Neck Pain Relief - Ask Doctor Jo

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A TENS Unit can be a great tool for helping to reduce and relieve neck pain. Here are some pad placements to help relieve different types of neck pain. Purchase a Healthmate Forever TENS/EMS Unit here: amzn.to/2LYI5rL (affiliate link)
Some common neck injuries that may benefit from a TENS/EMS unit include things like muscles strains, whiplash, herniated discs, spondylosis, stenosis, and general arthritis.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is used to help reduce pain and increase circulation. Basically the vibration of the TENS follows the same pathway as the pain pathway to the brain and helps cancel it out. It is a great alternative to pain medication. A TENS uses two or four electrodes with cross currents to surround the area. The deep vibration/massage helps relax the muscles and allow for healing. You should not get a muscle contraction when using TENS.
Healthmate Forever has a wide variety of TENS/EMS Units and pads. The unit I'm using in this video is the TS8ABH. Check out their full line of products and learn more at: amzn.to/2LYI5rL (affiliate link)
Related Videos:
Neck Pain Stretches & Exercises:
• Neck Pain Stretches & ...
Neck Spasm Stretches:
• Neck Spasm Stretches -...
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How to Use a TENS Unit for Neck Pain:
• How to Use a TENS Unit...
DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is not medical advice or a treatment plan and is intended for general education and demonstration purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use this content to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this content. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ask Doctor Jo, LLC, its officers, employees, and contractors for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this content. Ask Doctor Jo, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Use of this content is at your sole risk.
PRODUCT PLACEMENT DISCLAIMER: This video contains paid product placement. Thank you to Healthamate Forever for sponsoring this video and providing Doctor Jo with a free TS8ABH TENS Unit to use.

Пікірлер: 180

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

Buy a Healthmate Forever TENS/EMS Unit here: amzn.to/2LYI5rL (affiliate link) Don't forget to hit the 🔴 *SUBSCRIBE* 🔴 button above! *Find all of my videos at **kzfaq.info*

@TheGURBI1 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video, thank you. I ordered the device as I struggle with a neck pain! Shout out to Brian for his tanned neck and not blending in with the background completely.

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, and you're welcome. 😎

@kristijangrdjan6031 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Your videos are always very informative and practical, easy to understand and helpful.

@AskDoctorJo 6 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome, and thanks!

@rebeccad1250 4 жыл бұрын

Wish I saw this video before making my neck more sore :( , glad to have found it now!

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

I hope it helps.

@mishelmk 9 ай бұрын

Regular user and lost cont how many times I landed my device to friends, and for some it was my gift. Using a mouse at work for long-hours - it’s a lifesaver. My journey started with chiropractor and tennis elbow diagnosis decades ago, and since then, I keep buying (upgrading) the devices. It’s on my night stand!

@ejsgarage 4 жыл бұрын

lol Sciatica pain is almost gone and I am back with a back pain and I just bought a tens unit. I am glad that you have a video on how to do it 😀

@AhmedKhan-lu6cd 2 жыл бұрын

I want buy when available

@walterreid9295 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dr Jo I will use my unit for my stiff painful neck

@AskDoctorJo Жыл бұрын

You're welcome.

@pawsitivecultr 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for these clear instructions

@AskDoctorJo 5 ай бұрын

You're welcome.

@jacobc8964 2 жыл бұрын

I’m just forever confused as to how intense it’s supposed to be, are my muscles supposed to twitch or not?

@anmarpt5128 5 жыл бұрын

If pain and numbness come down on the arms. Where do we put the electrodes.

@sunnyprakash169 3 жыл бұрын

Max likes but no response...way to go Jo !!

@jfelano730000 3 жыл бұрын

TENS is for muscles, not nerves.

@MorganDaly Жыл бұрын

Agreed. TENS is for muscles but having the same symptoms as Anmar I know that muscle tension between the neck and should can compress the nerves and cause the referred pain.

@MorganDaly Жыл бұрын

The demo at about 5:40 answers my question.

@creativequeen8371 Жыл бұрын

@@MorganDaly Same. Thank you.

@samurai10000bc 5 жыл бұрын

My man Ryan rockin the farmers tan pretty hard

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

LOL!

@doby214 3 жыл бұрын

I did not know your we're not suppose to get a contraction! I've always been told to in fact get the contraction...and I actually love the feeling 😅 guess I need to stop that

@sheliah783 3 жыл бұрын

I have one of the collars that have the electric pulse and on low, on my neck, my neck jerks when one mode is on, it actually jerks back and forth from the contraction you can visually see it moving!!

@annekevanwyk5758 3 жыл бұрын

My Tens/Ems machine has got two black and two red electrodes, How do I no where to place the red(Positive) and where the back(negative) electrode? It doesn't say in my instruction manual.

@TylerCarlson 6 жыл бұрын

I love this channel.

@AskDoctorJo 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks :-)

@Vindiesel-fr9kd 6 жыл бұрын

Was a life guard too...👌👌👌💐💐💐💐,all-rounder doc🎂🎂🎂🎂

@604kathy 4 жыл бұрын

Dr Jo I think your amazing and you have helped me alot. I have a trapped nerve in my neck which is causing so much pain down my arm. Do I put the tens on my neck or arm ??? Please help 😪

@604kathy 4 жыл бұрын

@@AskDoctorJo thank you much appreciated 😊

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. Good luck!

@JS-te4gz 4 жыл бұрын

Neck decompression if it's the disc

@thedeathofbirth0763 4 жыл бұрын

You are brilliant!

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@bmillertime1546 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much you're the only one I used for the tens 7000 you given me the how why what... Very well info THANKS YOU ARE A beautiful PERSON.. THAT CARE'S🎓💕

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, and thanks!

@jorgesolis5055 4 жыл бұрын

Which ones are the positives and which ones are the negatives?

@Jehrica3 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Blessings 💞💞💞

@AskDoctorJo Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@Teshia 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for these extremely informative videos. They're very helpful. With a tens unit are there any locations on the back where it should NOT be placed? I have some shoulder pain from ptsd and anxiety which sometimes causes chest pains and I don't want to use the tens unit in a way that might put my heart at risk.

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, and thanks. As long as it's TENS, and not EMS, you can place it anywhere on your back as long as you don't have any of the precautions or contraindications (they should be listed in the manual). I hope it helps!

@Teshia 4 жыл бұрын

@@AskDoctorJo Thank you very much!

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@PyramidofGeezer 4 ай бұрын

I heard NOT to use them over the spine, or the front and side of the neck

@ChristineBarger Жыл бұрын

Can it help with a neck arthritis pain?

@abhijeetchury5156 Жыл бұрын

So we’ll explained.. Appreciate it

@AskDoctorJo Жыл бұрын

Thanks, and you're welcome.

@user-fl3zz9bn3l 4 жыл бұрын

What about sternocleidomastoid pain especially when swallowing..pain that is also in the ear and jaw. Can you use a tens unit for that if so where do you place the pads? Thank you

@sarsijnigam3309 2 жыл бұрын

Just slap can cure it...^_^

@ramramos6016 2 жыл бұрын

how about for muscle stiffness/knots, can I use EMS for the same area?

@jade7587 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Doctor Jo! What is the difference between a little twitch and a muscle contraction?

@rfcalm 8 ай бұрын

what a shame she doesnt respond to questions

@lollypoplex0510 3 жыл бұрын

I have to have Tens done on my shoulder and lower back at times now only once a week it was everyday for 3 days it helps a bit but then hurts once it goes away

@ns_usa 4 жыл бұрын

You're awesome! Informative, expressive and frolicsome. Regardless, got a query. I could understand why one wouldn't want to use it, say, on his thyroid/anterior neck region, but why avoiding the side of the neck? Have some nasty lymph-nodes there over a decade (non malignant ofc, thank you childhood mono!) and lymph massage is very helpful reducing their size. Rarely are painful, but still no massage feels complete without touching the sides :D I wonder what would happen if I applied it there?

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! The front sides of the neck have a lot of vessels including your carotid artery and the vagus nerve. I personally would not recommend putting them in that area.

@goalie996 5 жыл бұрын

Where would you recommend putting the pads for a sore neck with tension headaches ?

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

Probably the 4 pad placement as shown in the video.

@Michavelli1 4 жыл бұрын

@@AskDoctorJo Can you put this on the occipital muscle on the upper neck?

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

I personally would not go up that high.

@adriandelgado6278 Жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@AskDoctorJo Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@MrJackPuddle 5 ай бұрын

why steer clear of creating muscle contractions? is that not something we do with muscle exercise to get some release of tight muscles?

@AskDoctorJo 5 ай бұрын

Not if the current is crossing the spine.

@StickyPaw 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you ! Really helpful.

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Glad it helped.

@ashishnuri1210 4 жыл бұрын

Hi doctor, my neck and right arm vibration everytime, please tell me the solution.

@Michaelbenisrael12 Жыл бұрын

Is this good for Cervical radiculopathy pain and numbness?

@KingBreezy777 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@dannyodonnell2181 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome.

@ojcheunghk 4 жыл бұрын

Is it okay to put it on the area next to the back of my ears? Thats where my pain comes from.

@alcottdevalte7440 6 жыл бұрын

tnx, this is awesome

@AskDoctorJo 6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, and thanks!

@anmarpt5128 5 жыл бұрын

Is it better to have strong or moderate stimulation?

@snobbypolitics7792 5 жыл бұрын

This was very helpful. Thanks!

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@allyg8846 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!! This really helps! I'm about to do a session & watch silly cat videos with my daughter so double win! :)

@AskDoctorJo 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! 🐱

@yrod1424 6 жыл бұрын

They are several of them. How do u pick one? Cervical spine with scapula problem

@AskDoctorJo 6 жыл бұрын

They all do about the same thing. It just depends on how fancy you want to get.

@stidhamhimer 2 жыл бұрын

I live alone and am an hour away from anyone I know well enough to put this on my back. Any advice? Im in extreme pain. Prednisone, tramadol, and muscle relaxers and still in pain.

@roubaelali5541 6 жыл бұрын

thank you so much, this is great. my unit didn't come with all of this information, & I have been sitting through some uncomfortable muscle contractions, so I am really glad I ran into your posts. one question, if the pain is radiating from the neck to the front or the clavicle, would you put the pads on the front? TIA,

@AskDoctorJo 6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, and thanks! No, I would keep them in the back where it's originating from. Good luck.

@anmarpt5128 5 жыл бұрын

What is the difference between the electrodes being spaced and being close together.

@darkvixenkillu1 4 жыл бұрын

so a little twitch is ok (using this for upper back pain. I lean over an easel most of the day and get that sharp pain between the shoulder blades) but it shouldn't feel like my shoulder is trying to shrug itself?

@elizabethlewis636 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I just bought a tens unit and was scared to use it.

@AskDoctorJo 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@PopCorNationG 2 ай бұрын

Why does it need to be crossed over? Thanks 😊

@AskDoctorJo 2 ай бұрын

I explain that at the beginning of the video.

@cherylm9148 3 жыл бұрын

Great Stuff! Thank you. Is this safe to use after ACDF surgery for the muscle spasms?

@AskDoctorJo 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, and you're welcome. It depends on how far out from surgery you are, but you would definitely need to check with your surgeon.

@rosshutchings9349 4 жыл бұрын

Subscribed.... had asked my chiropractor about this machine, he had mentioned not to cross over the spine, noticed you do. Is it safe to in some areas as apposed to others?

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

TENS and EMS are different. Generally TENS should not be contracting the muscles, so it's okay to cross the spine. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule depending on your diagnosis.

@kitanaiyatsu8571 2 жыл бұрын

I've read in various places that you should not use a TENS if you have a DVT. I assume that means you shouldn't use the TENS in the area of the DVT as apposed to using the TENS in general. In other words, I have a DVT in my left calf. Is it safe to use the TENS on my right leg, back, arms, etc.?

@danepillay8942 5 ай бұрын

Will it help pinched nerves please

@coastalrainscreations-Deb 5 жыл бұрын

Would the placement you used in the video be a good placement for a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade due to neck issues?

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

It kind of depends on where in the shoulder blade it is pinched. I would maybe move them slightly over to the side where it's pinched, like around the shoulder blade itself.

@LRuso 5 жыл бұрын

Developed a shooting pain up in upper neck, shooting into the head, left side behind ear. Can I just put one electrode on the neck?

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

No, unless it's a wireless one that is suppose to be one electrode, it needs two for the current to go back and forth.

@rudfil 2 жыл бұрын

Why didn’t you use water or gel on the pads and skin before using the TENS machine?

@AskDoctorJo 2 жыл бұрын

The pads that go with this unit already have a sticky gel on them.

@matteomancini5757 4 жыл бұрын

Subscribed - I have several different settings, is there a guide to what they should be at for example the MRW setting?

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the sub. Most brands are slightly different so it tends to make it a little confusing. Did the unit not come with an instruction manual of what each setting is? Sometimes if it's not with the unit, you can find it on the companies website.

@cherylm9148 3 жыл бұрын

Subscriber! OK to use this for the muscle spasms following ACDF multi-level surgery? Thanks Dr. Jo.

@JNPummill Ай бұрын

Hi Dr. Jo! Question for you! My TENS unit specifically says not to cross over the spine like you did here. Absolutely no disrespect whatsoever, I'm just curious, are there different types of TENS units or different ways of using it? I'm a woman with a large chest and I frequently have a ton of pain from my lower back all the way up, even in my head and some TMJ or TMD. My neck most certainly hurts along with my trapezius muscle (pretty much the entire thing). Thank you for the video and the information!

@AskDoctorJo Ай бұрын

You're welcome. If the TENS unit is a TENS/EMS combo, that might be why it says not to cross the spine. When there is a muscle contraction like with the EMS settings, the pads should not cross the spine. It's best to follow the instructions from the unit as they might be made differently with different currents.

@JNPummill Ай бұрын

@@AskDoctorJo thank you so much for that information and quick response!

@AskDoctorJo Ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@hisyst 2 жыл бұрын

very good nice and fantastic

@AskDoctorJo 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@anmarpt5128 5 жыл бұрын

How many treatment sessions does the patient need?

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

I actually have a book about TENS units with all the answers to your questions. You can find it here: askdoctorjo.com/book

@afrobryan 3 жыл бұрын

So are contractions bad???

@hellfire3307 6 жыл бұрын

Good

@AskDoctorJo 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@emadebedo7908 6 жыл бұрын

Nice

@blessedgirly7402 3 жыл бұрын

Will using these on both sides of a Trigger point release the trigger point?

@antonioaguinaldo8267 3 жыл бұрын

Do we need to put a gel for self adhesive electrode or pad

@user-ec5td8fg3y 9 ай бұрын

If I am having Botox for dystonia 3 monthly can I use a Tens machine in between treatments?

@Sarah-sc9ev 11 ай бұрын

If the pain is primarily on one side, do you just place the pads on that side?

@AskDoctorJo 11 ай бұрын

I show in the video placements on one side as well.

@sophiae.anderson4646 4 жыл бұрын

I've read that you can use a TENS unit to treat migraines. Do you have any tips for that like placement and what to look for in a unit when buying if that's what your going to use as well as any risks or side effects.

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

I don't have one specifically for migraines, but often neck placements, like in the above video will help. As far as units, they are all pretty similar. I have reviewed many, and have liked all of them. As long as you don't have any contraindications to TENS and don't place the electrodes on areas you are not suppose to (the precautions and contraindications are often listed in the manual), there are not really any risks besides irritation to the skin from the electrodes and soreness from turning it up too high.

@jessecalarue8758 3 жыл бұрын

Where are areas that you shouldn't use tens? And why?

@ayeshachoudhury5693 2 жыл бұрын

Mt husband has neck pain but has a skin condition called pemfigus vulgaris can he use it

@tjwash5118 2 жыл бұрын

When I use this on my shoulder I can see the muscles giggle. Is that a contraction or is it the correct response?

@eddiewalsh8871 Жыл бұрын

Your muscles should never be laughing

@Kaciepaige28 5 жыл бұрын

Does it matter where the positive &negative pads go?? Example positive on top of neck negative on the bottom??

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

Not for a TENS unit. Just make sure the channels cross the area of pain.

@rinanicolas3250 Жыл бұрын

How can order that prucduct ten tirapy machine how much prize that

@AskDoctorJo Жыл бұрын

Purchase a Healthmate Forever TENS/EMS Unit here: amzn.to/2LYI5rL (affiliate link)

@joshayers3410 5 жыл бұрын

Dr Jo, Where would you put the pads if there is tightness at the suboccipitals and along the facet joints..to be specific C2-C3? Thanks

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

Pretty high up the neck as long as you have a short hair line. So just below your hair for the top two, and then the X pattern with two below those maybe 2 to 3 inches apart.

@joshayers3410 5 жыл бұрын

@@AskDoctorJo Okay..thank you for responding. Greatly appreciated!!!

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Good luck.

@octaviajonesmedina5730 Жыл бұрын

I have degenerative disc my pain is straight upper middle/and neck. Where do I put the placement and what else is good to do?

@AskDoctorJo Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, I don't know that answer since I can't evaluate you. Everyone is different. If there is any way you can see a physical therapist in person, they should be able to help you figure out a specific program for you and help answer your questions. This video gives general guidelines on placement that should help figure out the best spot.

@Deepak25t Жыл бұрын

Can we use it on chest 😳

@charlottec9218 5 жыл бұрын

Should I get a tens unit with EMS for neck pain ?

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

Getting a TENS/EMS combo is usually a good idea in case you need it for something else in the future, but I would not recommend using EMS on your neck, or be very careful to not cross the spine when using it.

@charlottec9218 5 жыл бұрын

@@AskDoctorJo Thank you so much

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome.

@deb31768 4 жыл бұрын

How long do I use it and how many times a day!

@ixl911ixl 4 жыл бұрын

30m sessions 3x/day max. Reference your individual units included documentation.

@deb31768 4 жыл бұрын

@@ixl911ixl Thank you for responding 🙏

@davidappell3105 5 жыл бұрын

This looks difficult to setup by one’s self. Is it?

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

Not too difficult. Since the placements don't have to be exact, you can usually get them in the general area without too many issues.

@bestofnetherlands310 4 жыл бұрын

Any one from Netherlands?

@MS-gs2ux 4 жыл бұрын

Can it interfere with the heart ?

@ixl911ixl 4 жыл бұрын

YES. Don't put this on your chest.

@Angelblaze 5 жыл бұрын

I was taught to not cross the spine...

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

For EMS you shouldn't, but TENS is fine because there shouldn't be a contraction.

@78sunny 5 жыл бұрын

If the scalene muscles are the problem of the pain, can I still use TENS to ease the pain. Until now I couln't find a position for the pads to help the pain.

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

Anterior, middle, or posterior scalenes?

@78sunny 5 жыл бұрын

@@AskDoctorJo Anterior

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't recommend putting TENS on the front of your neck.

@78sunny 5 жыл бұрын

@@AskDoctorJo Okay. Thanks for the fast answer. And with the other two there would be a possibilty? I'm not so sure if it is the Anterior. My Chiropractor said my first rib is blocked and he tried several times to deblock it but isn't able to. Now I was searching the internet for help and found that the scalene muscles could be the reason for the rib problem and my pain. (sorry if my English isn't good enough to explain it)

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. These might help: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kLybZrKbncDMlX0.html

@timayjust 5 жыл бұрын

Just went to my therapist for my neck pain, he ended up putting the 4 nodes on my neck and shoulder and after about 30 seconds of using it I got dizzy and light headed, is that normal?

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

No, that’s not normal.

@timayjust 5 жыл бұрын

@@AskDoctorJo felt like a drop in blood pressure to me only lasted about 30 minutes I'm fine now

@officialwork6681 2 жыл бұрын

@@timayjust hey bro its good now?

@abidaabidashoori6367 6 жыл бұрын

Is it good u r crossing the wires

@AskDoctorJo 6 жыл бұрын

They are two separate channels. You are suppose to cross them.

@nandagopalchatterjee4424 5 жыл бұрын

Why cross is it IFT

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

IFT and TENS are similar. As I explained in the video, you want to cross it to cover the area you are trying to relieve pain. If you don't cross it, it's not getting the center area.

@sterlingwillis8026 2 жыл бұрын

Good Video 🎥 DOC 😜 COOL SHIRT

@AskDoctorJo 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@fezze0830 4 жыл бұрын

Can I go high on the neck with herniated disc?

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

As long as you don't have any of the precautions, and it's on the back of the neck, not the front.

@pathanikurhi1797 4 жыл бұрын

I have contracted muscles of my back neck and also swelled,, but my doctor just put two pads not 4, and she puts on shoulder not on back neck

@AskDoctorJo 4 жыл бұрын

There are a variety of ways it can be done.

@rudyp2014 5 жыл бұрын

I was in a vehicular accident. I am still having pain with severe headaches on the left side of neck. I have been seeing a Chiropractor since the accident for 3 months using the tenz unit. He mentioned it should be normal to still have them . Where could i put them to help at home and for how long.

@AskDoctorJo 5 жыл бұрын

It really depends on where your pain/injury is, so it would be best to place them in the same spot you have been getting treatment. You can leave it on for 15-20 minutes several times a day.