How to Use a TENS Unit for Neck Pain Relief - Ask Doctor Jo

[@AskDoctorJo]

Buy a Healthmate Forever TENS/EMS Unit here: amzn.to/2LYI5rL (affiliate link) Don't forget to hit the 🔴 *SUBSCRIBE* 🔴 button above! *Find all of my videos at **kzbin.info*

[@TheGURBI1]

Brilliant video, thank you. I ordered the device as I struggle with a neck pain! Shout out to Brian for his tanned neck and not blending in with the background completely.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome. 😎

[@rebeccad1250]

Wish I saw this video before making my neck more sore :( , glad to have found it now!

[@AskDoctorJo]

I hope it helps.

[@kristijangrdjan6031]

Thank you! Your videos are always very informative and practical, easy to understand and helpful.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You’re welcome, and thanks!

[@pawsitivecultr]

Thank you for these clear instructions

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@walterreid9295]

Thanks Dr Jo I will use my unit for my stiff painful neck

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@ejsgarage]

lol Sciatica pain is almost gone and I am back with a back pain and I just bought a tens unit. I am glad that you have a video on how to do it 😀

[@AhmedKhan-lu6cd]

I want buy when available

[@tomboytwig]

Excellent demonstration, thank you!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome!

[@doby214]

I did not know your we're not suppose to get a contraction! I've always been told to in fact get the contraction...and I actually love the feeling 😅 guess I need to stop that

[@sheliah783]

I have one of the collars that have the electric pulse and on low, on my neck, my neck jerks when one mode is on, it actually jerks back and forth from the contraction you can visually see it moving!!

[@mishelmk]

Regular user and lost cont how many times I landed my device to friends, and for some it was my gift. Using a mouse at work for long-hours - it’s a lifesaver. My journey started with chiropractor and tennis elbow diagnosis decades ago, and since then, I keep buying (upgrading) the devices. It’s on my night stand!

[@annekevanwyk5758]

My Tens/Ems machine has got two black and two red electrodes, How do I no where to place the red(Positive) and where the back(negative) electrode? It doesn't say in my instruction manual.

[@mrjcbuc]

Thanks, Dr. Jo!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@anmarpt5128]

If pain and numbness come down on the arms. Where do we put the electrodes.

[@sunnyprakash169]

Max likes but no response...way to go Jo !!

[@jfelano730000]

TENS is for muscles, not nerves.

[@MorganDaly]

Agreed. TENS is for muscles but having the same symptoms as Anmar I know that muscle tension between the neck and should can compress the nerves and cause the referred pain.

[@MorganDaly]

The demo at about 5:40 answers my question.

[@creativequeen8371]

​@@MorganDaly Same. Thank you.

[@TylerCarlson]

I love this channel.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks :-)

[@jacobc8964]

I’m just forever confused as to how intense it’s supposed to be, are my muscles supposed to twitch or not?

[@ramramos6016]

how about for muscle stiffness/knots, can I use EMS for the same area?

[@thedeathofbirth0763]

You are brilliant!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks!

[@samurai10000bc]

My man Ryan rockin the farmers tan pretty hard

[@AskDoctorJo]

LOL!

[@Jehrica3]

Thank you! Blessings 💞💞💞

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@abhijeetchury5156]

So we’ll explained.. Appreciate it

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome.

[@bmillertime1546]

Thanks so much you're the only one I used for the tens 7000 you given me the how why what... Very well info THANKS YOU ARE A beautiful PERSON.. THAT CARE'S🎓💕

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome, and thanks!

[@604kathy]

Dr Jo I think your amazing and you have helped me alot. I have a trapped nerve in my neck which is causing so much pain down my arm. Do I put the tens on my neck or arm ??? Please help 😪

[@604kathy]

@@AskDoctorJo thank you much appreciated 😊

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. Good luck!

[@JS-te4gz]

Neck decompression if it's the disc

[@Vindiesel-fr9kd]

Was a life guard too...👌👌👌💐💐💐💐,all-rounder doc🎂🎂🎂🎂

[@ChristineBarger]

Can it help with a neck arthritis pain?

[@PopCorNationG]

Why does it need to be crossed over? Thanks 😊

[@AskDoctorJo]

I explain that at the beginning of the video.

[@lollypoplex0510]

I have to have Tens done on my shoulder and lower back at times now only once a week it was everyday for 3 days it helps a bit but then hurts once it goes away

[@Michaelbenisrael12]

Is this good for Cervical radiculopathy pain and numbness?

[@user-fl3zz9bn3l]

What about sternocleidomastoid pain especially when swallowing..pain that is also in the ear and jaw. Can you use a tens unit for that if so where do you place the pads? Thank you

[@sarsijnigam3309]

Just slap can cure it...^_^

[@jorgesolis5055]

Which ones are the positives and which ones are the negatives?

[@MargaretCollins-c2n]

If I am having Botox for dystonia 3 monthly can I use a Tens machine in between treatments?

[@jade7587]

Hi Doctor Jo! What is the difference between a little twitch and a muscle contraction?

[@rfcalm]

what a shame she doesnt respond to questions

[@ojcheunghk]

Is it okay to put it on the area next to the back of my ears? Thats where my pain comes from.

[@Terri_2.0]

So, if I just wanted to use one channel (2 pads) when I´m putting it on myself, I can´t just put a pad on top of each trapazoid muscle?

[@ns_usa]

You're awesome! Informative, expressive and frolicsome. Regardless, got a query. I could understand why one wouldn't want to use it, say, on his thyroid/anterior neck region, but why avoiding the side of the neck? Have some nasty lymph-nodes there over a decade (non malignant ofc, thank you childhood mono!) and lymph massage is very helpful reducing their size. Rarely are painful, but still no massage feels complete without touching the sides :D I wonder what would happen if I applied it there?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks! The front sides of the neck have a lot of vessels including your carotid artery and the vagus nerve. I personally would not recommend putting them in that area.

[@stidhamhimer]

I live alone and am an hour away from anyone I know well enough to put this on my back. Any advice? Im in extreme pain. Prednisone, tramadol, and muscle relaxers and still in pain.

[@allyg8846]

Thank you!!! This really helps! I'm about to do a session & watch silly cat videos with my daughter so double win! :)

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! 🐱

[@sleepinginnyc200]

I confused-they say the pads of a single channel of an EMA/TENS unit should not cross the spine (ie you shouldn’t have one pad on the left side of the spine and the other pad on the right side of the spine), but that is exactly what you’re showing?

[@AskDoctorJo]

This is for TENS, not EMS. For EMS, the channels should not cross the spine.

[@sterlingwillis8026]

Good Video 🎥 DOC 😜 COOL SHIRT

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks!

[@Panda.gultom]

Any side effect of using Tens? I wanna try it

[@BigHonkinGoose]

If your pads don't stick right, it can feel uncomfortably buzzy.

[@ayeshachoudhury5693]

Mt husband has neck pain but has a skin condition called pemfigus vulgaris can he use it

[@KingBreezy777]

Thank you so much!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@MrJackPuddle]

why steer clear of creating muscle contractions? is that not something we do with muscle exercise to get some release of tight muscles?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Not if the current is crossing the spine.

[@StickyPaw]

Thank you ! Really helpful.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! Glad it helped.

[@ashishnuri1210]

Hi doctor, my neck and right arm vibration everytime, please tell me the solution.

[@anmarpt5128]

Is it better to have strong or moderate stimulation?

[@mrjcbuc]

I’m trying to find a unit suitable for face for tmj. What specs should I be looking for to get a tens that has low enough frequency?

[@AskDoctorJo]

A clinical trial using TENS units in people with TMJ disorders found that a TENS setting of 60 Hz helped patients reduce their pain by 37% within 3 weeks. So it might be worth looking into one where you can manually adjust the settings.

[@octaviajonesmedina5730]

I have degenerative disc my pain is straight upper middle/and neck. Where do I put the placement and what else is good to do?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Unfortunately, I don't know that answer since I can't evaluate you. Everyone is different. If there is any way you can see a physical therapist in person, they should be able to help you figure out a specific program for you and help answer your questions. This video gives general guidelines on placement that should help figure out the best spot.

[@antonioaguinaldo8267]

Do we need to put a gel for self adhesive electrode or pad

[@Teshia]

Thank you for these extremely informative videos. They're very helpful. With a tens unit are there any locations on the back where it should NOT be placed? I have some shoulder pain from ptsd and anxiety which sometimes causes chest pains and I don't want to use the tens unit in a way that might put my heart at risk.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome, and thanks. As long as it's TENS, and not EMS, you can place it anywhere on your back as long as you don't have any of the precautions or contraindications (they should be listed in the manual). I hope it helps!

[@Teshia]

@@AskDoctorJo Thank you very much!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@PyramidofGeezer]

I heard NOT to use them over the spine, or the front and side of the neck

[@danepillay8942]

Will it help pinched nerves please

[@elizabethlewis636]

Thank you! I just bought a tens unit and was scared to use it.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@dannyodonnell2181]

Thank you.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@Sarah-sc9ev]

If the pain is primarily on one side, do you just place the pads on that side?

[@AskDoctorJo]

I show in the video placements on one side as well.

[@alcottdevalte7440]

tnx, this is awesome

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome, and thanks!

[@yrod1424]

They are several of them. How do u pick one? Cervical spine with scapula problem

[@AskDoctorJo]

They all do about the same thing. It just depends on how fancy you want to get.

[@goalie996]

Where would you recommend putting the pads for a sore neck with tension headaches ?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Probably the 4 pad placement as shown in the video.

[@Michavelli1]

@@AskDoctorJo Can you put this on the occipital muscle on the upper neck?

[@AskDoctorJo]

I personally would not go up that high.

[@LRuso]

Developed a shooting pain up in upper neck, shooting into the head, left side behind ear. Can I just put one electrode on the neck?

[@AskDoctorJo]

No, unless it's a wireless one that is suppose to be one electrode, it needs two for the current to go back and forth.

[@snobbypolitics7792]

This was very helpful. Thanks!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@rudfil]

Why didn’t you use water or gel on the pads and skin before using the TENS machine?

[@AskDoctorJo]

The pads that go with this unit already have a sticky gel on them.

[@roubaelali5541]

thank you so much, this is great. my unit didn't come with all of this information, & I have been sitting through some uncomfortable muscle contractions, so I am really glad I ran into your posts. one question, if the pain is radiating from the neck to the front or the clavicle, would you put the pads on the front? TIA,

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome, and thanks! No, I would keep them in the back where it's originating from. Good luck.

[@rosshutchings9349]

Subscribed.... had asked my chiropractor about this machine, he had mentioned not to cross over the spine, noticed you do. Is it safe to in some areas as apposed to others?

[@AskDoctorJo]

TENS and EMS are different. Generally TENS should not be contracting the muscles, so it's okay to cross the spine. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule depending on your diagnosis.

[@anmarpt5128]

What is the difference between the electrodes being spaced and being close together.

[@blessedgirly7402]

Will using these on both sides of a Trigger point release the trigger point?

[@hisyst]

very good nice and fantastic

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks.

[@JNPummill]

Hi Dr. Jo! Question for you! My TENS unit specifically says not to cross over the spine like you did here. Absolutely no disrespect whatsoever, I'm just curious, are there different types of TENS units or different ways of using it? I'm a woman with a large chest and I frequently have a ton of pain from my lower back all the way up, even in my head and some TMJ or TMD. My neck most certainly hurts along with my trapezius muscle (pretty much the entire thing). Thank you for the video and the information!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. If the TENS unit is a TENS/EMS combo, that might be why it says not to cross the spine. When there is a muscle contraction like with the EMS settings, the pads should not cross the spine. It's best to follow the instructions from the unit as they might be made differently with different currents.

[@JNPummill]

@@AskDoctorJo thank you so much for that information and quick response!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@matteomancini5757]

Subscribed - I have several different settings, is there a guide to what they should be at for example the MRW setting?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks for the sub. Most brands are slightly different so it tends to make it a little confusing. Did the unit not come with an instruction manual of what each setting is? Sometimes if it's not with the unit, you can find it on the companies website.

[@kitanaiyatsu8571]

I've read in various places that you should not use a TENS if you have a DVT. I assume that means you shouldn't use the TENS in the area of the DVT as apposed to using the TENS in general. In other words, I have a DVT in my left calf. Is it safe to use the TENS on my right leg, back, arms, etc.?

[@cherylm9148]

Great Stuff! Thank you. Is this safe to use after ACDF surgery for the muscle spasms?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome. It depends on how far out from surgery you are, but you would definitely need to check with your surgeon.

[@tjwash2]

When I use this on my shoulder I can see the muscles giggle. Is that a contraction or is it the correct response?

[@eddiewalsh8871]

Your muscles should never be laughing

[@afrobryan]

So are contractions bad???

[@Deepak25t]

Can we use it on chest 😳

[@anmarpt5128]

How many treatment sessions does the patient need?

[@AskDoctorJo]

I actually have a book about TENS units with all the answers to your questions. You can find it here: askdoctorjo.com/book

[@sophiae.anderson4646]

I've read that you can use a TENS unit to treat migraines. Do you have any tips for that like placement and what to look for in a unit when buying if that's what your going to use as well as any risks or side effects.

[@AskDoctorJo]

I don't have one specifically for migraines, but often neck placements, like in the above video will help. As far as units, they are all pretty similar. I have reviewed many, and have liked all of them. As long as you don't have any contraindications to TENS and don't place the electrodes on areas you are not suppose to (the precautions and contraindications are often listed in the manual), there are not really any risks besides irritation to the skin from the electrodes and soreness from turning it up too high.

[@Kaciepaige28]

Does it matter where the positive &negative pads go?? Example positive on top of neck negative on the bottom??

[@AskDoctorJo]

Not for a TENS unit. Just make sure the channels cross the area of pain.

[@cherylm9148]

Subscriber! OK to use this for the muscle spasms following ACDF multi-level surgery? Thanks Dr. Jo.

[@rinanicolas3250]

How can order that prucduct ten tirapy machine how much prize that

[@AskDoctorJo]

Purchase a Healthmate Forever TENS/EMS Unit here: amzn.to/2LYI5rL (affiliate link)

[@coastalrainscreations-Deb]

Would the placement you used in the video be a good placement for a pinched nerve in the shoulder blade due to neck issues?

[@AskDoctorJo]

It kind of depends on where in the shoulder blade it is pinched. I would maybe move them slightly over to the side where it's pinched, like around the shoulder blade itself.

[@joshayers3410]

Dr Jo, Where would you put the pads if there is tightness at the suboccipitals and along the facet joints..to be specific C2-C3? Thanks

[@AskDoctorJo]

Pretty high up the neck as long as you have a short hair line. So just below your hair for the top two, and then the X pattern with two below those maybe 2 to 3 inches apart.

[@joshayers3410]

@@AskDoctorJo Okay..thank you for responding. Greatly appreciated!!!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! Good luck.

[@deb31768]

How long do I use it and how many times a day!

[@ixl911ixl]

30m sessions 3x/day max. Reference your individual units included documentation.

[@deb31768]

@@ixl911ixl Thank you for responding 🙏

[@charlottec9218]

Should I get a tens unit with EMS for neck pain ?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Getting a TENS/EMS combo is usually a good idea in case you need it for something else in the future, but I would not recommend using EMS on your neck, or be very careful to not cross the spine when using it.

[@charlottec9218]

@@AskDoctorJo Thank you so much

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@78sunny]

If the scalene muscles are the problem of the pain, can I still use TENS to ease the pain. Until now I couln't find a position for the pads to help the pain.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Anterior, middle, or posterior scalenes?

[@78sunny]

@@AskDoctorJo Anterior

[@AskDoctorJo]

I wouldn't recommend putting TENS on the front of your neck.

[@78sunny]

@@AskDoctorJo Okay. Thanks for the fast answer. And with the other two there would be a possibilty? I'm not so sure if it is the Anterior. My Chiropractor said my first rib is blocked and he tried several times to deblock it but isn't able to. Now I was searching the internet for help and found that the scalene muscles could be the reason for the rib problem and my pain. (sorry if my English isn't good enough to explain it)

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. These might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIfOZIKgbb-bm6s

[@fezze0830]

Can I go high on the neck with herniated disc?

[@AskDoctorJo]

As long as you don't have any of the precautions, and it's on the back of the neck, not the front.

[@MS-gs2ux]

Can it interfere with the heart ?

[@ixl911ixl]

YES. Don't put this on your chest.

[@hellfire3307]

Good

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks.

[@emadebedo7908]

Nice

[@timayjust]

Just went to my therapist for my neck pain, he ended up putting the 4 nodes on my neck and shoulder and after about 30 seconds of using it I got dizzy and light headed, is that normal?

[@AskDoctorJo]

No, that’s not normal.

[@timayjust]

@@AskDoctorJo felt like a drop in blood pressure to me only lasted about 30 minutes I'm fine now

[@officialwork6681]

@@timayjust hey bro its good now?

[@davidappell3105]

This looks difficult to setup by one’s self. Is it?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Not too difficult. Since the placements don't have to be exact, you can usually get them in the general area without too many issues.

[@jessecalarue8758]

Where are areas that you shouldn't use tens? And why?

[@rudyp2014]

I was in a vehicular accident. I am still having pain with severe headaches on the left side of neck. I have been seeing a Chiropractor since the accident for 3 months using the tenz unit. He mentioned it should be normal to still have them . Where could i put them to help at home and for how long.

[@AskDoctorJo]

It really depends on where your pain/injury is, so it would be best to place them in the same spot you have been getting treatment. You can leave it on for 15-20 minutes several times a day.

[@Angelblaze]

I was taught to not cross the spine...

[@AskDoctorJo]

For EMS you shouldn't, but TENS is fine because there shouldn't be a contraction.

[@nandagopalchatterjee4424]

Why cross is it IFT

[@AskDoctorJo]

IFT and TENS are similar. As I explained in the video, you want to cross it to cover the area you are trying to relieve pain. If you don't cross it, it's not getting the center area.

[@abidaabidashoori6367]

Is it good u r crossing the wires

[@AskDoctorJo]

They are two separate channels. You are suppose to cross them.

[@bestofnetherlands310]

Any one from Netherlands?

[@elias38]

Where do I put it for sciatica pain?

[@AskDoctorJo]

You can place it on the low back if that is where your sciatica is coming from: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYPJkpeuhdGJhNU

[@pathanikurhi1797]

I have contracted muscles of my back neck and also swelled,, but my doctor just put two pads not 4, and she puts on shoulder not on back neck

[@AskDoctorJo]

There are a variety of ways it can be done.

[@TylerCarlson]

Notification Squad!

[@shaistakhan4857]

👍👍

[@adriandelgado6278]

Thank you!!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!