Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used for relief of chronic pain. Which statement about TENS is true?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used for relief of chronic pain. Which statement about TENS is true?

• A. The electrodes attached to the unit are placed on the skin around the area of pain.
• B. The unit will cure the pain instantly.
• C. It can be used without a prescription.
• D. It works only for acute pain.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that TENS relieves pain by stimulating nerves through skin electrodes placed around the area of pain. Positioning the pads around and near the painful region targets the nerves that transmit those signals, helping to modulate pain as signals travel to the spinal cord. This setup works with how the nervous system can dampen pain signals, often producing temporary relief rather than a cure. TENS is used for chronic pain, and its pain-relieving effect is not instantaneous or curative. Whether a prescription is required depends on the device and local rules, so saying it is always usable without a prescription isn’t universally true.

The main idea is that TENS relieves pain by stimulating nerves through skin electrodes placed around the area of pain. Positioning the pads around and near the painful region targets the nerves that transmit those signals, helping to modulate pain as signals travel to the spinal cord. This setup works with how the nervous system can dampen pain signals, often producing temporary relief rather than a cure. TENS is used for chronic pain, and its pain-relieving effect is not instantaneous or curative. Whether a prescription is required depends on the device and local rules, so saying it is always usable without a prescription isn’t universally true.