Treating sciatica pain be extremely challenging, especially when you don’t know what’s the root and origin of the sciatic nerve irritation. There are a lot of treatments, but a lot of people get discouraged thinking that they don’t work. It can affect anyone with lumbar area pain, including pregnant women. Sciatica treatment options vary, starting from affordable physical activity to needing surgery or chiropractic, which is often expensive.
TENs machines are growing in popularity in treating sciatica pain, as well as other types of lower back pain. With that in mind, we wrote this roundup of the best TENs machines of sciatica reviews and included a compelling buying guide and guide that will help you use these devices easier.
TENs machine, also known as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a small wired or mobile device that can be used to alleviate pain from the lower back area. They’ve been in use for decades implementing either AAA batteries or rechargeable batteries for a more versatile experience
TENs units have a lot of applications, but they’re mostly used for lower back pain caused by an injury or accident, a surgery, lumbar area pain, fibromyalgia, and sciatica. A 2009 study found clinical evidence that TENs units have beneficial effects in helping the treatment of lower back pain-related conditions, including sciatica.
Still, a lot of research encourages patients to consider more intensive treatment options, but that there’s nothing wrong with using the TENs units in alleviating the pain and supporting the therapy.
How TENs Machines Relieve Sciatica Pain?
Let’s see behind the scenes on how TENs machines work. As we said above, TENs machines come with multiple electrodes that send the low-voltage current and electrical pulses that reach deep into the skin, into the affected area pressing onto the sciatic nerve. Here’s the process of the tens unit treatment for sciatica pain.
- Once it reaches nerves, the impulse massages and stimulates the generation of endorphins – chemicals that act restoratively and get rid of the pain.
- The impulse “gates” your nerves in a way to prevent them from sending the pain signals from the affected area into the nervous system and the brain.
- The strained muscles and herniated discs that potentially affect the area contract and relax, causing immediate pain relief.
Why You Should Buy a TENs Machine for Sciatica Pain: 8 Benefits
There is a great number of benefits to using TENs machines, the best part is that they’re affordable and approachable.
1. It Can Help You Sleep Easier
For a lot of people, the sciatica pain can intensify in the late evening hours, when the body is relaxed and no longer ignoring the pain due to movement. That strong and often chronic pain can prevent you from falling asleep easily. A TENs machine treatment in the evening can help relax your discs and muscles and relieve the pain and irritation from the sciatic disc, ultimately helping you fall asleep.
2. Immediately Relieves the Pain
Sciatica pain is usually so intense that it makes even the most mundane tasks feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world. With that, tasks like carrying something, washing dishes, cooking, or simply playing with children or grandchildren become impossible.
If you’re experiencing unbearable sciatica pain, TENs machines will relieve it immediately, leading to relaxation and mood enhancement. If you’re indulging in physical therapy and it’s impossible for you to exercise due to pain, the TENs unit will alleviate the pain to the point you can continue with your therapy.
3. It Helps Produce Endorphins
We said this already, but endorphins are extremely important. Being natural pain killers, your body produces them to fight all sorts of ailment and brings your body back to its function.
4. You Don’t Have to Take Pain-Relieving Drugs
All sciatica-related pain urges for expensive medicines that often come with side-effects. TENs machines (mostly) don’t have any side effects and are providing ultimate pain alleviation, which would usually take some time if you were taking medicines.
5. Multifunctional
A lot of people use TENs machines for different purposes rather than treating sciatica pain. It’s great for pregnancy-related and menstrual cramps, while often being used to relieve uterine contractions at childbirth. It can be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and much more.
6. Stimulates Reinnervation
A 2015 study showed the evidence that stimulating dead nerves from an injury, surgery or disease could lead to nerve reinnervation – a practice in recovering the dead nerves which are still being widely researched. If it can bring dead nerves back to life, it can easily aid Sciatica pain if you choose the right machine.
7. Affordability
TENs machines are available on the market for decades. With that in mind, their price was dropping and changing as time passed and now they are more approachable. There are different ranges of TENs units, and while some may be more expensive than the others, they still allow for a lot of price versatility, so everyone can find what they’re looking for.
8. Portability
TENs machines are portable and don’t take too much space. There are even smaller units that work wirelessly and can be used for multiple parts of the body, including shoulders, hips, and legs. What’s more, you won’t need to go to the doctor to take your TENs or electric physical therapy, you can do it comfortably at your home.
Drawbacks & Potential Risks of TENs Machine for Sciatica
TENs units are generally considered safe as low-voltage electricity isn’t harmful to the human body. Still, keep in mind that:
- TENs units can cause skin irritation, redness, and rash if the electrodes are kept in the same place for multiple days of the treatment.
- People who have bypass or pacemakers should never put the TENs machine near their chest. A study suggests that people who have pacemakers shouldn’t be excluded from using TENs therapy, but it’s still recommended to consult with their cardiologist.
- TENs machines are considered safe for pregnant women, moreover, they’re used in hospitals and there are specialized TENs machines for women. Still, consult with the doctor on which one should work the best for you.
5 Best TENs Machines for Sciatica: Detailed Reviews
1. iReliev Wireless TENS + EMS Therapeutic Wearable System (Best Overall)
For those with the most intense Sciatica-related pain, it’s best to use a system that comes with both TENs and EMS treatment. EMS is Electrical Muscle Stimulation that treats neuromuscular pain. This FDA approved device is our device of choice because of its convenience of use, adjustability, and immediate pain relief.
Key Features:
- It offers both EMS and TENs therapy, making it suitable for severe pains.
- It comes with 6EMS modes and 4 unique modes for customizing the pods.
- It’s a product that has been researched for decades, providing pain relief from different conditions aside from sciatica
- It’s wireless and comes with good charging times – 3-5 hours for pods and 5-10 for the remote.
- 45 days money-back guarantee, 1 year of warranty +2 more years for registration of the product
The device has been researched and tested for 30 years. Many doctors and other health experts recommend it because it’s safe and non-invasive. More importantly, it works wirelessly, so you can transfer it to any place in the house, freeing yourself from the annoying wires.
Whether you want to use it before or after surgery, during pregnancy, strength training, or after exercise, this device won’t cause itching or burning in the treated area. It’s safe, and can also be used for muscle warm-up.
More importantly, it has 6 EMS modes, which means it’s customizable for different levels of pain. There are 2 wireless pods, which allow up to 4 isolated modes for customized settings. The pods and electrodes feel convenient and won’t cause discomfort, tingling, or itching.
Lastly, this device charges fast and easily. Also, it comes with a backlit display which easily helps you adjust both TENs and EMS modes.
Drawbacks:
- It’s extremely expensive compared to other TENs unit because of the EMS addition
- Not recommended for people with a pacemaker and undiagnosed chronic condition
- Not recommended for pregnant women in labor.
2. NueMedics Tens Unit Machine
NueMedics Tens Unit Machine is more versatile and user-friendly compared to our first option.
Key Features:
- More affordable than our first unit and safer to use.
- Multifunctional, easy to use and portable
- 30-day money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty
- Large LCD that instructs you how to treat affected area
- 24 different modes that will help you soothe your pain.
- Can be easily stored with a protective case.
- Even pregnant women can use it
However, there’s no EMS support, so it’s more suitable for moderate pain. Nevertheless, its function is versatile because aside from lower back pain and sciatica, you can also use it for upper back, shoulders, neck, hips, feet, and knees.
It’s user-friendly thanks to a large LCD that displays all the mode and what the machine is doing at the moment. That makes it extremely easy to set up and even easier to use. It works effectively and sports 24 different massaging modes. It also comes with multiple electrodes. Its battery can last up to 20 hours of continuous use, allowing for longer sessions than 30 minutes. It also charges relatively fast.
Drawbacks:
- It’s not recommended to use it with a pacemaker
3. TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS (Best Budget)
Although it has annoying wires, TENS 7000 TENs unit can provide instant pain relief that lasts and works great regardless of the therapy you’re taking to treat Sciatica pain.
Key features:
- Great value for the price and affordability
- The well-researched product that helped over 1 million people
- Sports several useful accessories that make the therapy easier and less uncomfortable
- Versatile control of the pulse intensity
- 1-year warranty
This machine stimulates nerves and muscles and thanks to multiple pods, it helps relieve and stop the excruciating pain that comes with sciatica. Aside from sciatica, it can also be used on shoulders and neck, while also providing support for the carpal tunnel syndrome.
The company has owned the market since 2008, managing to sell and help with over 1 million units to different people experiencing unbearable pain. You can change the pulse intensity, and adapt it anywhere from 0 to 100mA. The increments are only 10mA, so you shouldn’t feel a drastic difference and can adjust slowly, suitable to your needs. It’s extremely easy to set up and use.
It comes with various accessories including the self-adhesive pods and 4-pack of multifunctional TENs unit pads. Lastly, home therapy has never been easier, you can do it at home before and after exercise, as well as a strength and endurance workout.
Drawbacks:
- It isn’t wireless, so you’ll have to get used to wires.
- It’s not safe to use during pregnancy
- Not allowed to use on people who have pacemakers.
4. Healthmate Forever TENs Unit HM8GL (Best for Pregnancy)
The second edition of the HM8GL tens unit is great for pregnant women to treat pregnancy-induced sciatica. It helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the lumbar area and relieves pain from the sciatic nerve.
Key Features:
- Helps with pregnancy-induced sciatica pain
- Can be applied to two separate areas
- It’s more affordable than other devices.
- Convenient to use and easily transferable
It’s strong but it doesn’t cause skin itching or irritation, which is extremely important during pregnancy. It comes with 8 different modes, used independently to treat your pain.
The unit is easy to use and comes with 4 pads that can be used in two areas at the same time. Also, there’s an easy to read and use LCD which gives real-time information about the ongoing treatment. It allows extended sessions but comes with a pause button in case you need to stop.
It’s a great unit that won’t require you to use expensive gels and drugs to keep the sciatica pain at bay. It’s easy and safe to use.
Drawbacks:
- It can cause contractions in late pregnancy
- The product listing is a bit misleading, as it says that the device is wireless, while it comes with wired connectors.
5. [email protected] Rechargeable Compact Wireless TENS Unit (Best Wireless)
If you want a more portable option to treat your sciatica pain [email protected] is a wireless TENs unit.
Key Features:
- Great value for the money
- It’s portable and easy to use both home and outside
- Fast rechargeable
- Includes a pair of gel electrodes
- 20 power levels and 6 automated massage programs
- 1-year warranty
It’s just as effective as other wired devices, and it’s also affordable. You can use it at home, but also take it to travel. It’s easily rechargeable but comes with a 20-minute cycle and automatic shutdown.
It comes with 6 automated massaging modes, which are easy to adjust and can treat various pain, regardless of whether it’s caused by sciatica or another ailment. Additionally, it comes with 20 power levels and works with the use of only two buttons.
Drawbacks:
- It has a short battery life
- Not recommended with a pacemaker and cardiac chronic condition.
- Bad for people with epilepsy
How to Use TENs Machines for Sciatica?
Using the TENs machine for sciatica is extremely easy, which is why this is another benefit of using them.
First, grab the electrodes that came with your TENs unit and attach them to the machine, and then use the other end to attach them to the skin where you want the pain to be treated.
As you use the machine, you will need to adjust and reposition the electrodes to fit the area where you feel the pain and often, you’ll need to move them to the affected area as the pain travels from the lumbar area to the hips and legs.
At first, you may miss a few times and need to reposition the machine, but don’t get discouraged, once you find the right spot, repeated use will feel much easier.
The YouTube channel AskDoctorJo provided a thorough tutorial on how to use the TENs unit to treat Sciatica. Make sure to check it out, it works with all varieties of the units.
We Also Found Great
6. TechCare Pro TENS Unit (Best for Athletes)
Doctors and medical experts recommend TechCare Pro for decades, as it has shown great results for both athletes and everyone else suffering problems with Sciatica Pain.
Key Features:
- It sports 24 modes that help relieve pain and make your move easier
- Ideal for athletes but also everyone else experiencing pain
- Lifetime warranty
- Great value for the price.
- Instant pain relief and 20 hours of continuous use
The low-voltage pulses relieve pain and bring refreshment to the sciatic nerve and surrounding muscles pain-free and drug-free. You won’t need to use drugs to relieve pain. TechCare Pro will provide all the necessary care your back needs to treat sciatica. The device comes with 1 controller and 4 electrodes. You can adjust them because two are large and two are medium. There are also 2 small electrodes and a storage base that helps you preserve them.
Drawbacks:
- It’s dangerous to move or adjust electrodes while the product is in use
- Not recommended for people with pacemaker or women in labor
7. Magic TENs (Best for Traveling)
Magic Tens is a wireless and compact TENs machine that is portable and suitable to take out as well as a trip.
Key Features:
- It’s easy to store and carry, making it ideal for traveling
- Helps relax muscles using 5 unique modes and their combos
- Has automatic shutdown after 15 minutes of use
It modes that can help relieve the symptoms of sciatica, relax the muscles and nerves surrounding the sciatic nerve. Aside from the lower back region, you can also use it on the neck, shoulder, legs, and hips. It has 5 auto modes and automatic shutdown after 15 minutes.
Drawbacks:
- It’s more expensive than other wireless options
- No warranty information.
8. Belifu Dual Channel TENS EMS (Best for Labor)
We reviewed the best option for pregnancy, but for women who need relief during labor, this is the best option.
Key Features:
- It can provide relief for women in labor
- 24 preprogrammed modes
- Although wired, it has great cable management and is easy to store
- Portable and offers therapy at home
- Non-invasive treatment, no drugs, and other pain relief additions
- 2 years warranty, although it’s extendable to 3 years
This is a multifunctional TENs device, meaning it can treat various back conditions. It has 24 modes that relieve muscle and neurological pain. It also comes with a storage bag and comes with 10 pieces of self-adhesive reusable pads. There are also cable ties that help with cable management. It’s easy to use and can be used for relieving pain at home.
Drawbacks:
- Anyone who has a cardiac chronic condition or pacemaker shouldn’t use it.
- If you have any metals in your back or epilepsy, you shouldn’t use this TEN machine.
9. Omron Max Power Relief® TENS Unit
Key features:
- Customized control. You can use different modes in different parts of the body.
- Durable pads that can be reused over 150 times
- Portable and easy to carry
Omron Max Power Relief can be used with lower back pain caused by sciatica, as well as treating the pain that traveled into the hips and legs.
It can be used to relieve arthritis-caused pain, joint pain, and others. It comes with convenient electrodes and 6 preprogrammed modes that will help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Drawbacks:
- Not safe to use with a pacemaker or during pregnancy
Tens Machines for Sciatica: FAQ
Do the TEN machines provide pain relief for Sciatica?
TENs machines provide instant pain relief by generating endorphins and blocking the pain signal from traveling to the brain. However, they should be used for moderate pain and join up with other forms of therapy to provide long-term relief.
Can a person with a pacemaker use a TENs machine?
Anyone who has any type of metal implanted in the body shouldn’t use the TENs machine. Doctors and other medical experts argue that they could help if they keep them away from the heart. Still, it’s necessary to talk to your doctor about options that can work with a pacemaker.
Can you use the TEN machine if you have epilepsy?
No, it’s not safe because it could trigger seizures.
How long should a TENs session last?
Some devices automatically shut down 15-20 minutes after starting the therapy. Some standard and the average time are about 30 minutes.
Can TENs units help with inflammation?
Yes, over time, using the TENs unit can help treat damaged nerves and muscles caused by inflammation.
Also Read:
- The Best (And the Worst) Sleeping Positions for Sciatica
- 8 Best Sciatica Stretches for Pain Relief
- 4 Best Mattresses For Sciatica in 2022
