waacodemon wrote:it says adhesive pads... do i have to continue to buy new pads time after time?

Yes.

They are not cheap either, so clean the area
the will attach to.

http://www.comforthouse.com/backpain.html

It works if you believe it will work.

http://www.rebuildyourback.com/treatment/TENS.php

----
Have you be hypnotized lately?[/quote]

This was a perfect website! Talked me right out of wasting my money. Thanks

Does this help with TMS (Tension Myofascial Syndrome) Trigger Points?

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.......

Of course the licensed therapist doesn't want you to buy this. Less visits to the licensed therapist. You should put the electrodes on your ears, maybe it'll give you some clarity on the definition of libel.

When the pads start to lose their stickiness, dab a little water on the sticky side and rub it around (with it turned off.) It helps bring back the tack.

Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment.
(specifically electroconvulsive therapy)

dougaloo wrote:The problem with this TENS device is the same problem with using NSAIDS: it MASKS the pain without addressing the CAUSE. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it's important for people to find out why they have pain in the first place.

Woot, great write-up today! I couldn't come up with an "e" word either, to complete your alluringly alliterative allusion.

No, these don't mask the pain. These stimulate the muscles and release endorphins to relieve the pain. I have been seeing a chiropractor for over a year on and off, and this treatment along with the spinal manipulation has prevented me from having any major back episodes... The kind that require a cane just to stand up and walk...

Proper use of this TENS will be a blessing for lotsa wooters...

Can't you just take one of those Contours or other "ab belts" and turn it around? What a waste of resources.

andrewkl wrote:No, these don't mask the pain. These stimulate the muscles and release endorphins to relieve the pain. I have been seeing a chiropractor for over a year on and off, and this treatment along with the spinal manipulation has prevented me from having any major back episodes... The kind that require a cane just to stand up and walk...

Proper use of this TENS will be a blessing for lotsa wooters...

I hate to tell you that 99% of people with back problems have internal shoulder rotation, hunched shoulders, tight hip flexors, weak hip extensors, weak spinal erectors, and are basically a biomechanical mess. Get stronger, address the weaknesses and imbalances, and this kind of koi would have no market. The best thing about the exercise is that it's free and can be done in as little time as it takes to strap yourself into these bondage slings.

Just saying.

bhoiem wrote: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.

That's what I'm thinking. I'm wondering if the tabbed pads will work. If so, they are $.08 each.

Shadowbat wrote:I checked that manual and saw this, ""Do not place the pads on or around your head. The effects of stimulation of the brain are unknown." Someone's gotta do it so I'm taking one for the team. I'm in for one!

Sincerely......Batty

Good for you Batty.
Although I believe the same result can be achieved by watching cable tv for a week.

just wooted for my hubby and my parents. Great idea for back problems. I've seen TENS work and love it.

To hell with the belt ON THE BACK... just use the pads a little lower on the body and the stimulation can be *fantastic*. E-stim toys go for ~ $200 on various adult toy sites. This looks like a fantastic opportunity to add to the electrical play toy bag. In for one.

How about violet wands next?

And, as always, SSC!

Can I also use this on my shoulder?

huh. I worked at a company a few years back that rented these out to doctors office for therapy. Back then, you couldn't buy TENS devices unless you were authorized by some sort of medical outfit. I guess times are achangin'?

Phaedrus49er wrote:I hate to tell you that 99% of people with back problems have internal shoulder rotation, hunched shoulders, tight hip flexors, weak hip extensors, weak spinal erectors, and are basically a biomechanical mess. Get stronger, address the weaknesses and imbalances, and this kind of koi would have no market. The best thing about the exercise is that it's free and can be done in as little time as it takes to strap yourself into these bondage slings.

Just saying.

..... but i like strapping into bondage sling.

Phaedrus49er wrote:I hate to tell you that 99% of people with back problems have internal shoulder rotation, hunched shoulders, tight hip flexors, weak hip extensors, weak spinal erectors, and are basically a biomechanical mess. Get stronger, address the weaknesses and imbalances, and this kind of koi would have no market. The best thing about the exercise is that it's free and can be done in as little time as it takes to strap yourself into these bondage slings.

Just saying.

That's me: a biomechanical mess.

Dear Woot,

Please post anti-depressants for tomorrows woot.

Thank You

One more note -

If I read this correctly - and I by no means claim to be an expert - this unit can be adjusted up to 80mA!

My prescription one only goes to 60mA and that is a setting I only hit on my worst days AND after I've been wearing it for a few minutes.

If somebody goes straight to 80 they are going to be in for a real shock... pun intended.

I'm going to PT today - aqua therapy. I'll show this to them and see what they think.

This might be better than my current Rx unit... and at 50 bills...

sporkinum wrote:Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment.
(specifically electroconvulsive therapy)

ahuhu...so are you saying wooters are insane? ;)

WickedAndTorn wrote:..... but i like strapping into bondage sling.

I'm parked over by the commissary :D j/k

For some scientific evidence on this see:
http://www.rebuildyourback.com/treatment/TENS.php

andrewkl wrote:No, these don't mask the pain. These stimulate the muscles and release endorphins to relieve the pain. I have been seeing a chiropractor for over a year on and off, and this treatment along with the spinal manipulation has prevented me from having any major back episodes... The kind that require a cane just to stand up and walk...

Proper use of this TENS will be a blessing for lotsa wooters...

Ummmm - all endorphins do is MASK the pain. Which is OK since a lot of times the CURE for lower back pain is risky surgery that might not even work.

I screwed up my back many years ago playing football. I was also in a car accident about 2 years ago that didn't make things better.

I went to chiropractors and tried all sorts of nonsense.
You know what helps? Yoga.
You don't need fancy toys that can potentially cause real damage. No thanks.
Take that economy! I'm sticking with the free, no-frills, no-credit-card streches!

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.......

Don't mean to insult your livelyhood dude, I've certainly needed and appreciated work you guys do. However, on a trip to Japan, I got a tens machine (since they are almost impossible to get in the USA) and its been the best investment I EVER made. I'd fly to Japan just to get another one!. Calling the vendor irresponsible sounds like you are just trying to restrict access to these machines to keep your livelyhood. I can't speak to this model, but a TENS is AWESOME. Buy one!

In for a twofer - wish it were tuesday.... my daughter has back problems too.

I've had a TENS unit for some years now. I first got the treatment at PT and it actually WORKED - which, quite frankly I did not expect. The one I have is briefcase sized though and NOT portable - I have to just sit or lie there while I'm using it - so I don't, very often. I'm going to be interested to see how a portable one works. Oh - and anyone who thinks this relies on your belief system to make it work: not so much. You won't find anyone more sceptical than me when it comes to "alternate medicine" - which I usually refer to as "an alternate TO medicine", and it actually does work on me. The main problem is that the effect is not very persistent. Once you turn off the machine, the pain returns pretty quickly unless whatever was causing the pain has subsided. Just like with the pain meds you (and I) take now - it wears off. If the pain is cycling itself - you know what I mean; your back is hurting so you tense up which makes your back muscles spasm and hurt more which makes you more tense ... etc, etc. - the relief from this treatment MIGHT help break the cycle.
The pads are re-usable for quite a while - then you need to replace them. Kind of like the windshield wipers on your car. They last quite a while, but they DO need replacing once in a while - and as they get older, they won't work quite as well.
Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor and am not trying to give anyone medical advice here.

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 is "good" (i put quotes around good because soreness is not actually GOOD, per se, since it results from the formation of lactic acid in your muscles) in the sense that it gives your muscles time to recooperate....exhausting the same muscle day after day will deplete the all glucose storage sites and will ultimately result in muscle tissue degeneration.

In laymens terms, you OH GOD! MY PANTS ARE AFLAME! to "zap the soreness away" so you can continue working out every day....your body will start breaking down your muscles for use as energy.

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 could have respected your comment if not for that last line. You did a great job of clearing up whether you're actually concerned for misuse or are just a smug SoB who thinks it takes being a (fake) doctor to stick electrodes on someone's skin.

Waxdoll wrote: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 wouldn't be stolen if they leave it at my front door when I'm not at home, cause they would be plain painful. Hundred over dollars swept off the floor. That would be a major... Bummer. O_O

Yo can always change the delivery address on Woot, I get all my packages at work, so there's a less chance that some take them.

On that note, maybe I'll buy one of these and wear it backwards to give my abs a workout. Six pack here I come! ;)

robgendreau wrote:For some scientific evidence on this see:
http://www.rebuildyourback.com/treatment/TENS.php

That's not scientific. That's some guy with no medical training schilling his book and hand picking a few studies. Most people with chronic back pain have had experience with these things and will tell you that they do relieve pain.

how much are the replacement pads cost I'm wondering. I have an Omron Tensor, purchased on the other side of atlantic and replacement pads cost close to 35 bucks here. Sharperimage had the same or a very similar unit for $99 shortly before they went bust. I purchased one but the snaps were of different kind than mine. I am really wondering the cost od pads as my mom seems to go through a pair in every 5-6 weeks.

From AMZ... info
Safety Information
WARNING: DO NOT USE THIS SYSTEM, if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillators or any other implanted metallic or electronic device, DO NOT use this system if you have undiagnosed chronic pain. If pregnant, consult physician prior to use.

EmilySunshine wrote:Manual here - http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/toolsforwellnesscom/99896manual.pdf
Now where's my beer?

lenhogger wrote:My wife is pregnant with a sore back. Is this safe ?

It's she pregnant with a sore back???

I never heard a such thing, and maybe that's no safe for her.........

Two things. 1) TENS units are equally effective as a placebo. You want it to work and it will, maybe.

2) For the physical therapist that thinks Woot is irresponsible for selling this: anyone can use anything the wrong way and hurt themselves. I bought an RC helicopter and I could fly it into my face and take out my eye. But that wouldn't be Woot's fault. It's your line of thought that has made this pathetic sue-happy society. Just go spill hot coffee on yourself.

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.......

True, I am a professional cook, and I have seen people under cook food at home and get sick. You should alsway get your food from a professional, not your mama (I need the business)

dougaloo wrote:The problem with this TENS device is the same problem with using NSAIDS: it MASKS the pain without addressing the CAUSE. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it's important for people to find out why they have pain in the first place.

Woot, great write-up today! I couldn't come up with an "e" word either, to complete your alluringly alliterative allusion.

That is not entirely true. NSAIDS can CURE the problem sometimes if it is caused by inflammation. I thought the same thing years ago and went over month in horrible back pain and refused to take anything for it. Finally I saw a doctor and all he did was prescribe naproxen. The next day I was fine, it was so strange to me to get over this so fast since I had been in pain daily for over a month.

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market.

These are pretty widely available on the web (iKitchen sells it for Pete's sake) so it's not like Woot opened a secret Pandora's box.

The guys that are buying this device to stick in their ears have wide choice of other household items to hurt themselves with. I mean seriously - at some point we have to start taking personal responsibility instead of mandating Nerf cars and round scissors.

Sorry to go off, but my back hurts....

nomad63 wrote:how much are the replacement pads cost I'm wondering. I have an Omron Tensor, purchased on the other side of atlantic and replacement pads cost close to 35 bucks here. Sharperimage had the same or a very similar unit for $99 shortly before they went bust. I purchased one but the snaps were of different kind than mine. I am really wondering the cost od pads as my mom seems to go through a pair in every 5-6 weeks.

google rates are $19.99 for a refill pack, but searching for generic pads I'm finding them around $3 to $8 each, I'll have to get them then compair, but if it lasts a couple of months per set of pads I'm fine with $20.

I bought 4 of these for $20 each on overstock.com several years ago.. Different brand, but same type of thing -- they work wonderfully.. And I don't believe it's an "irresponsible" woot when you can find them all over the internet.

Just use it how it's supposed to be used.

EltonNoway wrote:1) It won't interact with pain meds! It's just an electrical stimulus.

2) The back back... (strap device) only serves as a holder for the stimulating pads. Each pads is attached to the Tens unit via wires. You can stick the pads on any part of your body. Stick two on your hip, on either side of the pain, and "slowly" increase the stimulation until you get relief.

What he meant was this ...if you use this WHILE on pain meds you may OVER use it causing injury since the pain meds will make you more "numb" than usual to the pain . Hope I explained that ok .