TENS UNIT After ADR

[Jessica]

My PT is recommending a TENS UNIT for me for the remaining radicular pain. I told him that the one restriction from Germany was NO ELECTRICAL of any kind.

Can anyone tell me if they have used a TENS UNIT after ADR? Was it used at the ADR level area or on another area of the body? Any ill effects?

Thank you.

[chasswen]

jessy
i think its ok as long as its away from the adr site.
hugs
chuck and bev

[tmont]

Jessica,

I'm a bit perplexed as to why you got the indication 'no electrical of any kind'. Could you clarify, please? How was this explained to you?

I have hardware in my neck also but have never received any contraindication regarding a TENS Unit.

As a cervical fusion patient, I have used--and continue to use--TENS on a weekly basis as part of PT. As DR Dam-Hieu is also a pain specialist affiliated with the Pain Management Unit here at the hospital, one was proposed to me after surgery.

Did not need one until the second disc began acting up. However, I find it really helps with both pain and tension. Regular PT has me off all pain meds for the time being, and I do believe TENS is a part of the reason.

I should also say that a trained therapist positions the electrodes and regulates the intensity each time.

[Jessica]

Not sure why but they tell everyone this is a recent response from Pro-Spine:


"Posted by Mirx"
Posted May 10, 2007 03:24 PM
Good news Rob.
Just received response from Dr. Fenk-Mayer confirming that since it's been 3 years since the op I have NO restrictions regarding life-style apart from electrical physio-therapy.

[Lyndsay]

Hi Jessica

I have a Prodisc & have been using a TENS machine over the last 3 months without any problems, in fact the opposite, it really is helpful. I've not read anywhere that one shouldn't be used but I know there are certainly a few ADR patients who use them.

As for your quote on what was posted on Pro-Spine, there are many different types of electrical physio so maybe that is where the confusion lies? It may also be that the advice is for immediate post-op?

What does your surgeon say about using a TENS now? I personally can't see that it would be a problem, especially almost a year on.

All the best

[cathydownunder]

Yep, I use a Tens too. Used it before surgery and after, although I must admit I was a little wary and wasn't game to use it the first few months.
I've used it all over and even stuck the pads directly either side of the fusion and new disc.
Unfortunately, it doesn;t give much relief anymore.

[Sandie]

Hi Jessica
I actually took my tens machine into hospital and was using mine on the same day after my operation. I could never get thru one day without mine. The brand is Solphadene tens machine issued from a lloyds chemist UK. It brings me so much relief, I would advise you to ask yr doctor, with hindsight i think he would say go ahead. I had 3 levels ADR in my neck, and used my tens on my shoulders to massage the muscles.
hugs
Sandie

Hi All,

From a personal perspective only, I have a unit which supposedly is new generation tens. You do need a prescription for this unit and it does work wonders but will become less effective the more you use it.
Here is the link: http://www.carerehab.com/IFC.html
I ended up buying it directly from the company because as of last year my insurance did not list it as part of the durable medical equipment. Big surprise there!

[Anita]

Dr B and pro-Spine say no tens because the device(implants) are metal in nature. And the no tens refers to the adr site, specifically. One of you has a good point though, about it being applied and utilized by a highly trained therapist/specialist/or Dr. and is carefully regulated. Ultimately it is your call. I know many patients that cannot tolerate it post-op any longer.

The physiotherapy in Germany is highly skilled and training is more consistent among them, they now know this is not true of other countries, so they are trying to protect their patients.

Germany is also a culture where medicine is NOT medicinal based and physiotherepy is VERY hands on and rarely mechanical. They have, however, adjusted well to the high level of meds that many Americans bring with them and treat the patients according to their individual needs.

Just a different perspective from someone that has been there.

Anita

[Jessica]

Thank you all for your feedback. Just this week, I received an email from Dr. Fenk-Mayer of Pro-spine stating that "TENS is fully ok and very effective for this indication (paracervical muscle spasm). And it is the only electrical therapy approved and recommended with these implants in place."

I am sure that it would be a good idea for everyone to ask individually about their own situation.

I am going to give it a try, as my traps are very tight. I will let you all know if it is a success.