To many people, the idea seems a little unusual. Using electricity to treat pain? It seems almost counterintuitive. But in reality, TENS – the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator – is a great way to eliminate all sorts of chronic pain.
TENS is a device used successfully for over 30 years. It administers a mild electrical current via electrodes. It relaxes the muscles and soothes the nerves. Over time, with repeated treatments, it reduces chronic pain. Additionally, it also works instantly – right at the time of the application – to reduce severe pain.
TENS and TMJ
It sounds like alphabet soup, but it’s actually a very winning combination. TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder . According to some estimates, TMJ is the third most common health problem in the United States. It’s when your jaw is not properly aligned. This causes problems associated with the jawbones, muscles, and nerves.
· Symptoms of TMJ are varied, and include:
· Headaches
· Neck pain
· Blurred vision
· Tingling in the arms and legs
· Chronic face pain
Diagnosing TMJ is difficult, and typically only properly diagnosed by a neuromuscular dentist. Neuromuscular dentists – who have undergone additional training above and beyond traditional dental school – are well equipped to identify TMJ. To do this, your dentist will use computer imaging to create a model of your bite pattern. This allows him or her to properly see the extent of any potential bite pattern problems.
Treatment for TMJ
If you do have TMJ, TENS is an integral part of your treatment. While surgery and dental appliances can eventually move your jaw back into a proper position, for most TMJ sufferers they want one thing first, and they want it fast: They want freedom from pain. TENS is a great way to achieve this.
You’ll have the TENS system implemented in your dentist’s office, under his or her care. The TENS system has two effects – it relieves pain instantly during the application, and it also contributes to the on-going relief of chronic pain.
Because TENS is a device, there is no need to worry about the resulting complications that may arise from other pain-management medication – specifically, pain medications, which can lead to addiction and other complications. TENS is safe, easy and effective.
So although the idea may initially sound strange, mild electrical current can be the solution many people are looking for in their quest to end chronic pain. The first step – if you’re experience headaches or face pain – is to schedule an appointment with a neuromuscular dentist.
