OKKEEEEEEEEEE ------ I am just a little irritated here. I have a REAL perscritpion TENS unit that is perfectly good. I don't need it anymore. I am unable to sell it on Amazon or eBay, etc., becuae it is a PRESCRIPTION Only device. I am just a little disturbed that Woot can advertise this with descriptives that include TENS in the description use and purpose etc. I hope this is something that brings a benefit to people just altogether curious why you can buy a device from Woot described as a TENS unit which is supposed to be by prescrition only and I can't sell mine. Love Woot always have always will, just confused... What else is new, ahuhu...

This sounds scary: "WILL: fry your brain if you attach it to each temple and turn it on. For real."

I don't have any of these, but this does too: "WILL: mess you up bad if you have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator. Seriously."

Well I have severe spinal/facet arthritis, and degenerative disc disease, so am in constant pain 24/7/365. I have heard TENS units help relieve back pain fairly well. After a bit of research, and price checking, I have decided to woot this one and give it a try. I hope it can at least reduce my pain level a bit...and if not, well, at least I can honestly say I gave it a try.

jeraden wrote:I've had a bad lower back for a year now. I went to a chiropractor over the summer and one of the treatments was to use a similar device (though a completely different commercial design, but same concept). Feels kind of freaky while its working.
I quit going cause it was getting expensive and wasn't really seeing any results, but since this is kind of a staple treatment for lower back pain (this and the roller bed), won't hurt to give it a shot at home to see if it helps with repeat usage. So I wooted one.

Though at this point, I'm so sick of it hurting to even bend over, I think I'd have bought a bottle of Lower Back Pain Snake Oil if Woot was selling it.

I dropped $200 for an inversion table last month and that hasn't really helped, so whats another $50?

Be careful and get a doctor or PT's advice for the lead placement. You can cause more harm if not used properly!!!!!

So how different is this from these things:

http://www.tenssystem.com/

I guess it comes with a back strap, and a digital readout. And lacks shady caps-lock text and Russian-made electronics.

Lauranyyfan wrote:Spinal tumors... where did you get your medical license from? That's crazy to throw out there without seeing a patient and doing a complete H & P along with the proper diagnostic procedures.

This is another reason why medical equipment of any type shouldn't be sold or dispensed without being properly trained.

This is crazy.

Symptoms
Back pain, especially in the middle or lower back, is the most frequent symptom of both noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) spinal tumors. The pain may be worse at night or on awakening. It also may spread beyond your spine to your hips, legs, feet or arms and may become more severe over time in spite of treatment.

Depending on the location and type of tumor, other signs and symptoms can develop, especially as a malignant tumor grows and impinges on your spinal cord or on the nerve roots, blood vessels or bones of your spine. These signs and symptoms include:

Loss of sensation or muscle weakness, especially in your legs
Difficulty walking, sometimes leading to falls
Decreased sensitivity to pain, heat and cold
Loss of bowel or bladder function
Paralysis that may occur in varying degrees and in different parts of your body, depending on which nerves are compressed
Scoliosis or other spinal deformity resulting from a large but benign tumor
Spinal tumors progress at different rates. In general, malignant tumors grow quickly, whereas benign tumors may develop slowly, sometimes existing for years before causing problems.

Read More.....

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/spinal-tumor/DS00594

I've been researching TENS units for over a year trying to decide which one to buy. Thanks woot for making it easy on me!!

Now, TENS units can be painful during treatment, and when used incorrectly can cause increased pain rather than decreasing it, HOWEVER the 9V variety are not nearly as strong as the professional ones. I've used other 9V home models and they really can help but I doubt that it's possible to cause anything more than an increase in muscle soreness.

I will also say that I would have no real idea of where to put the electrodes for maximum relief if I had not had trained physical therapists placing them for me for years. I have bulging discs in my lower back and an SI catch which both cause my muscles to lock pretty severely sometimes. Yoga and exercise have taken me from the doctor recommending surgery 3 years ago to walking to and from work every day today. BUT my back still locks up sometimes and I'd rather be able to deal with it at home.

I don't know that I would suggest something like this to someone who doesn't have any idea what it is or does, but if you'd had a TENS unit treatment in the past, or have a background in PT or a health related field, they can be a lifesaver. I also can't speak to how effective it will be if you use the belt to guide where the electrodes are placed, since that is really dependent on each persons build and what muscles are causing the problems. I anticipate scrapping the belt and placing the electrodes individually.

do not use alcohol on them, just use water, it makes them sticky again and will last forever as long as you make sure the pads are stuck to something...usually comes with little plastic pads at all times when not in use and keep them wet.

sharongmc wrote:might get this for grandma

I did a google search on these, and there are replacement pads available, $20/pack.

bobthegoat2001 wrote:This sounds scary: "WILL: fry your brain if you attach it to each temple and turn it on. For real."

Actually, transcranial direct current brain stimulation, using low-level currents, is becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of some psychiatric problems. And recent studies have shown that it can increase performance on some mental tasks. But it seems to require getting the amperage just right -- too little does nothing, too much does seizures. So while we wait for over-the-counter versions of this for healthy brains, it's probably best not to strap it to your temples. (That's putting it mildly; DIY DC through your brain = bad idea!)

OK people. TENS units are NOT prescription only. They are sold all over Amazon and Ebay and lots and lots of fetish sites. You CAN get prescription units if you want insurance to pay, and I would hope that they are stronger units than you can buy normally, but I am not sure about that. What I am sure about is the fact that Woot is doing nothing wrong by offering this item.

You can pick up replacement pads here --------->http://www.tenssystem.com/2x2sqclprsie.html

After having several years of back pain in my late twenties and trying all kinds of drugs and other back pack remedies, the only thing that worked is a book by Dr. Sarno, "Healing Back Pain: The Mind Body Connection".

It was the best 11 dollars I ever spent and gave me my life back.

http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Back-Pain-Mind-Body-Connection/dp/0446392308

--Ajay

If they sell interchangeable support belts for other body parts, like legs (hams/quads), arms (biceps/triceps), and neck (traps) areas, I can see myself using this everyday to relieve soreness/pain from my workouts. I lift fairly heavy and the soreness usually starts the day after workout and lasts for about 2 days, during which time I am kind of shut off from hitting those muscle groups again. It would be so nice if I can selectively use this on different muscle areas, and not just my back... any suggestions?

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market. A TENS unit can really make a back problem a lot worse if used incorrectly. If the unit has removable electrodes that can be placed where "needed" THEN it can be used by someone with some knowledge. How many people will put these electrodes on their ears for fun? that's the real question. Great Libel case. dumb woot. Most people with PT training will think this pretty scary. But, hey we will make money off the people who have to seek treatment after using this.......

You may have a valid point, but you lose credibility by saying "Great libel case. Dumb Woot," as this is not libel. Look up the definition and try again.

2bz2p wrote:Some of the positive comments seen here are verbatim at this other site. There is only one explanation if you know what I mean. You be the judge.

http://www.mlb-baseball-jersey.com/mlb-jersey-store/B000BW1HWM/ROYAL_MEDISANA_BACK_PAIN_RELIEF_TENS_TECH__$149_99_MAP.html

I went there, and found NO 'cut & paste' jobs.

sucker4crap wrote:The cost of the "self-adhesive stimulator pads" deeply disturbs me....

Medisana Back Pain Relief System, Replacement Stimulator Pads, 4ea $19.99

In my experience in PT clinics and the training room for a sports program at a D1 school, you can use the pads over and over again. It's not just a one time thing. I couldn't tell you how long they lasted, though. But I assure you, it would be awhile as long as you take care of them.

sxyskeksis wrote:OK people. TENS units are NOT prescription only. They are sold all over Amazon and Ebay and lots and lots of fetish sites. You CAN get prescription units if you want insurance to pay, and I would hope that they are stronger units than you can buy normally, but I am not sure about that. What I am sure about is the fact that Woot is doing nothing wrong by offering this item.

OK...so selling a dangerous medical device (FDA term, not mine) that has NOT been approved by the FDA is "doing nothing wrong"??

False information when out of context. This is the most important part of the article:

"Definition

Occasional back pain is a common problem, and most occurrences stem from normal stresses and strains or from degenerative changes that come with aging. But sometimes the cause may be a spinal tumor — a cancerous or noncancerous growth that develops within or near the spinal cord or in the bones of the spine."

Umm, yay for clif's notes?

(Original content not provided.).

greatwhite35 wrote:Symptoms
Back pain, especially in the middle or lower back, is the most frequent symptom of both noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) spinal tumors. The pain may be worse at night or on awakening. It also may spread beyond your spine to your hips, legs, feet or arms and may become more severe over time in spite of treatment.

Depending on the location and type of tumor, other signs and symptoms can develop, especially as a malignant tumor grows and impinges on your spinal cord or on the nerve roots, blood vessels or bones of your spine. These signs and symptoms include:

Loss of sensation or muscle weakness, especially in your legs
Difficulty walking, sometimes leading to falls
Decreased sensitivity to pain, heat and cold
Loss of bowel or bladder function
Paralysis that may occur in varying degrees and in different parts of your body, depending on which nerves are compressed
Scoliosis or other spinal deformity resulting from a large but benign tumor
Spinal tumors progress at different rates. In general, malignant tumors grow quickly, whereas benign tumors may develop slowly, sometimes existing for years before causing problems.

Read More.....

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/spinal-tumor/DS00594

Anyone know if this can be purchased using a medical Flex spending account? I would assume since band-aids and aspirin are covered, that there wouldn't be a problem with this, though I might have to send a detailed receipt when they ask me what a woot is.

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market. A TENS unit can really make a back problem a lot worse if used incorrectly. If the unit has removable electrodes that can be placed where "needed" THEN it can be used by someone with some knowledge. How many people will put these electrodes on their ears for fun? that's the real question. Great Libel case. dumb woot. Most people with PT training will think this pretty scary. But, hey we will make money off the people who have to seek treatment after using this.......

1. You're thinking LIABILITY no libel. Libel is a whole different animal.
2. These things have been on the market for years. My friend has had one for awhile, so this is nothing new. You PT's will continue to bank...deservedly so after all of the school you guys have to go through...

Bought two of these units- One for my dad and one for my aunt.
I'm crossing my fingers and hope it works like what the reviews say. Also, I hope to God that the parcel won't be stolen if they leave it at my front door when I'm not at home, cause that would be plain painful. Hundred over dollars swept off the floor. That would be a major... Bummer. O_O

awesome! Thank you Woot, I Wooted for 1

duckduckgoose wrote:OK...so selling a dangerous medical device (FDA term, not mine) that has NOT been approved by the FDA is "doing nothing wrong"??

I'd love to know your source for this considering the only information I found from the FDA regarding this TENS unit was an approval for them to begin marketing. In fact the only negative information regarding the FDA and TENS units in general was over 10 years ago concerning a couple models of TENS being used in doctors offices that were never approved for sale in the United States.

gnomeflower wrote:Does anyone know how strongly this thing moves, or of it is good for people with back issues?

Like, can I crank it up to full speed and have it knock me into nirvana?

It doesn't move at all. It (just) provides small pulses of electricity. If you crank it up, you will (probably) notice your muscles moving on their own -- contracting with every pulse. You can crank it up or turn it down.

Once upon a time, when my back was messed up in a car accident, a chiropractor used something like this on me a couple of times a week for a few weeks. It seemed to help a lot.

Those darn expensive 9-volt batts kill the deal. I use the ones out of teh smoke dectors, then too expensive to buy new ones.

kyrnzkewl wrote:If they sell interchangeable support belts for other body parts, like legs (hams/quads), arms (biceps/triceps), and neck (traps) areas, I can see myself using this everyday to relieve soreness/pain from my workouts. I lift fairly heavy and the soreness usually starts the day after workout and lasts for about 2 days, during which time I am kind of shut off from hitting those muscle groups again. It would be so nice if I can selectively use this on different muscle areas, and not just my back... any suggestions?

The soreness your're experiencing is the result of the (slight) damage you do when lifting. The muscles rebuild themselves from the damage, stronger than before. That's how lifting works! The period when you rest them before "hitting" them again is exactly when they are actually making themselves stronger, and if you find a way shorten it, you will find you build strength more slowly (in terms of week-to-week improvement), or injure yourself.

Think of resting your muscles between workouts like sleeping when you're sick -- if you find a way to do less of it, it won't do its job!

I don't know what the pads themselves are made of but if they are rubber or soft plastic and are sealed you can wrap a baby wipe around them for a connection. That's what my PT does. You just have to make sure they are secure to your skin before you turn the unit on and turn it off before you move them or they will shock you.

Also you can use them on hips and other muscles but don't put them on your neck. You can put them on the muscles around your shoulder blades to help with neck spasms.

krhamit wrote:Those darn expensive 9-volt batts kill the deal. I use the ones out of teh smoke dectors, then too expensive to buy new ones.

A friend who's a PT lent me one to use on my knees for a while (he showed me the standard way, but encouraged me to experiment), and I had very good luck with a rechargable NiCd 9-volt from Radio Shack. Good battery chargers will charge 9-volts.

Only drawback is the NiCd is noticeably heavier than alkaline.

nvaine wrote:How will this interact with pain meds? ... I'm wondering if there's any reason I can't use this on my hip.

If you're using "good stuff" for pain, you may find that you don't notice when to stop using a TENS unit, and that could be bad. Too much of this good thing, like beer, is bad.

Probably, you should use it the first few times off your meds, to find out how long works best for you. Then, as long as you have a timer so you never leave it on too long, you're good to go. Other posts say it has a built-in timer, so as long as you use it...

Also, with powerful meds, how will you know if it works for you?

And, yes: you can take the electrodes out of the rubber thingie and put them where you want. Best idea is to have a PT show you where; it's probably worth it to pay one, if you don't know any.

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market. A TENS unit can really make a back problem a lot worse if used incorrectly. If the unit has removable electrodes that can be placed where "needed" THEN it can be used by someone with some knowledge. How many people will put these electrodes on their ears for fun? that's the real question. Great Libel case. dumb woot. Most people with PT training will think this pretty scary. But, hey we will make money off the people who have to seek treatment after using this.......

chickydo wrote:

I sure do agree with ya'. I have about 25 plus years in health care and to top that off I have a very serious back injury that put me out of work permantly about 7 years ago. This is nothing to play around with. This is not a heating pad nor a muscle vibrator of sorts, it can seriously and permantly injure you, AND OF COURSE IF YOU LIKE WALKING DO NOT USE UNLESS UNDER DR'S ORDERS.

Thank you for your time.

jeffiekins wrote:If you're using "good stuff" for pain

Actually, in my case a TENS unit (admittedly not this one) allowed me to operate without any pain medications. And being "instant", it works a heck of a lot better. I was able to put the electrodes on in the morning, wear them under my clothing, and use it only as needed. The pain relief is amazing... and immediate. And it didn't make me groggy or impair my cognitive abilities.

I don't know that it "healed" my back any more quickly, but it allowed me to keep working, allowed me to instantly manage the pain, stopped the spasms in my lower back - all without drugs.

But by all means... check with your doctor or PT. It took both of them to convince me to use one, but after just one day, I understood.

tctech wrote:anyone know just how fat of a wooter this will fit? for a friend, alright?

Fits up to 50-inch waist.

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market. A TENS unit can really make a back problem a lot worse if used incorrectly. If the unit has removable electrodes that can be placed where "needed" THEN it can be used by someone with some knowledge. How many people will put these electrodes on their ears for fun? that's the real question. Great Libel case. dumb woot. Most people with PT training will think this pretty scary. But, hey we will make money off the people who have to seek treatment after using this.......

I guess you've never been to a medical supply store and looked on the shelf at what you can buy just walking through the door. Go do some DD and you will retract that statement.

craigakess@yahoo.com wrote:You may have a valid point, but you lose credibility by saying "Great libel case. Dumb Woot," as this is not libel. Look up the definition and try again.

He doesn't have a valid point. These units are NOT prescription devices. It makes me laugh at all the comments from "medical personnel" with XXX years experience in the field that they think they know what they're talking about. No wonder why our medical system is in trouble.

In for one. My chiropractor is using TENS on me at present and it does wonders. Good Woot!!

Has anyone bought the extended warranty for this thing? I didn't know if it was worth the extra $7.99 or if Square Trade was worth dealing with.

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market. A TENS unit can really make a back problem a lot worse if used incorrectly. If the unit has removable electrodes that can be placed where "needed" THEN it can be used by someone with some knowledge. How many people will put these electrodes on their ears for fun? that's the real question. Great Libel case. dumb woot. Most people with PT training will think this pretty scary. But, hey we will make money off the people who have to seek treatment after using this.......

As Doctor of Physical Therapy candidate, I have to say that I agree wholeheartedly with this. Putting a TENS unit on the market for the general public is irresponsible and down right dangerous. If put in the wrong hands, this can really hurt somebody. I love WOOT, but please leave the medical device prescriptions to someone with proper knowledge and training.

I've been using TENS regularly for the last year & it really relieves the pain well. Also works on headaches. (put sensors toward BACK of neck: never on carotid arteries or temples)

Not sure about availability or price of snap-connect sensors, but I suppose you could buy standard cables to use standard sensors.