All about a TENS unit during menstruation
Menstrual cramps are a common phenomenon associated with PMS (premenstrual syndrome). These cramps can range from very mild to severe. Usually, you can resort to home remedies if the pain is not out of control. Hot water therapy is beneficial, but the results are not ideal in cases of moderate to severe pain. Popping painkillers can give you instant results, but that is not the solution in the long run. It can cause acidity, ulcers, low blood pressure, and other gastronomical problems. Acupressure and acupuncture are mild therapies. You need a solid way to conquer the menstrual cramps that is safe and drug-free. This is where a menstrual cramp relief device comes into play. Let us understand the entire mechanism of a TENS unit for period cramps.
What is the TENS unit
A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device is specially engineered to combat menstrual cramps. Women of all ages can easily use this TENS unit for period cramps. This is a small device that is worn like a belt on the abdomen. There are electrodes on the belt that you have to stick to your skin with the help of gel pads.
Functionality
A TENS device’s electrodes deliver a low-voltage electric current to your body, preventing pain signals from reaching the spinal cord and brain. According to the research studies, the vibrations from the TENS device and the menstrual cramps occur simultaneously, but the vibrations from the device reach the brain first. This blocks the feeling of pain from reaching the brain. You will feel a tingling sensation as it relieves muscle tension and pain. This device is worn at or around the area of menstrual cramps.
Purpose
This TENS unit for period cramps relieves the pain by blocking the pain signals and stimulating the brain. It also helps release happy hormones (endorphins), which act as natural painkillers for the body. Endorphins interact with the brain and reduce pain perception.
Multiple uses
TENS therapy relieves both long-term and short-term menstrual cramps. This menstrual cramp relief device has proved to be helpful for the below-listed conditions:
- Period pain
- Endometriosis pain
- Low back pain
- Labor pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Neck pain
- Sports injuries
- Spinal pain
- Diabetic neuropathy pain
Use for menstrual cramps
A TENS unit has proven to be really beneficial for mild to moderate period pain. The best thing about this device is that it is non-invasive, drug-free, and safe. It has almost no side effects. You can also adjust the intensity of the electric current passed onto your skin. There are low- to high-frequency pulse ranges and you may set these according to your requirement and comfort level. If you get some pain relief through this device, you may also reduce the medicine intake that you would have taken for menstrual cramp relief. This menstrual cramp relief device is small and portable. You just have to wear device-friendly clothes. You can also carry this device in your pocket and can use it anytime in the day when you experience cramps.
How is Welme period pain relief device different?
Usually, a TENS device is heavy and is designed for treating muscular and nerve pain. The Welme menstrual cramp relief device is designed especially for menstrual cramps. It can also be used for pain management and muscle rehabilitation. It is a small and portable device. The battery is rechargeable and lasts throughout the day. You may wear it for the whole day and block the pain signals, thus relieving menstrual pain. This device is scientifically proven and has been used by so many women through the years.
Use during pregnancy
TENS therapy is prohibited during the early stages of pregnancy. It is best to check with your gynecologist to see if you can use a TENS device while pregnant.
Usage frequency
A TENS device can be used as much as you like, but for a beginner, it is recommended to start with 20–30 minutes. Then, you may remove it for some time before wearing it again. Long-term usage may cause some skin irritation in the area around the device.
Reusability
The gel pads can be used for about 8–10 times before their stickiness wears off. When the stickiness of the gel wears off, you can replace the pads. You can extend the life of the device’s gel pads by applying the electrodes to clean, dry skin that is free from any body lotions.
Pain relief
The duration of pain relief from a TENS unit varies from woman to woman. Studies have shown that some women experience menstrual pain as soon as they take off the device. Some women have reported getting complete relief from cramps for the whole day after the nerve stimulation is stopped. Some studies have proven that the effectiveness of a TENS unit increases with increased use. Some have also reported that the tolerance level for pain increases with the use of a TENS device.
Sleeping with a TENS unit
Sleeping while wearing a TENS unit is fine, but you need to be careful. If you have a lot of movements during sleeping, then the gel pads can come off or the cords can become entangled. You may set a wake-up alarm every 30 minutes to remove the electrodes.
Avoiding TENS unit
There are a few conditions under which you should not use a TENS device. If you have an implantable device like a stent or a pacemaker, if you are suffering from epilepsy or a heart condition, or if you are pregnant, then a TENS device is strictly a no-no. Cancer patients and those who have recovered from cancer for less than 5 years should not use a TENS unit.
Some good news
A TENS device and its replacement pads can be reimbursed if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). If there are health funds available through your job, you might as well take advantage of this opportunity and treat yourself with a great drug-free and safe period pain relief device!
Conclusion
All you women out there; seize your menstrual days and use them to the best you can because the Welme period pain relief device is at your disposal! Shun the hassles of heating pads, popping painkillers, and trying a new diet, and embrace this TENS device. It is your time, and you deserve the best health and well-being.
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