How to Use a TENS Unit for Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief

Sciatic pain or sciatica is pain that radiates down the sciatic nerve. A TENS unit can be a good way to help relieve this pain. Buy an iReliev Wireless TENS/EMS unit at: ireliev.com/product/therapeut... (affiliate link)
It’s important to know where the sciatic nerve pain is originating from for the best treatment.
When the sciatic nerve is pressed, you might feel pain, numbness, tingling, shooting, or sharp pain. The nerve can get compressed at the spine or at the piriformis muscle. When it’s getting compressed at the spine, it can be from a herniated disc, stenosis, bone spurs, or degeneration. Once you know where the pain is originating from it is easier to target treatment areas.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be a good way to help relieve sciatic pain so stretches and exercises can be done that are needed to help the healing process. When TENS is used at the spine, it’s best to not feel any muscle contractions.
Wireless TENS units are a great option for the back and spine area because you don’t have to worry about getting the cords tangled. The iReliev TENS / EMS wireless unit is not only wireless, but it also has 14 different modes to help you get the best option for pain relief. Their large pads also make it easy to place over a larger area, like your back, to get the best coverage.
TENS units have channels (usually one or two), each channel controls two electrodes. With a wireless unit, often the channel has one larger electrode for easier placement. If you are using a wired TENS unit, you want each channel to cross in an X pattern to get the best coverage.
Other Ask Doctor Jo Videos:
iReliev Wireless TENS / EMS Therapeutic Wearable System Review
• iReliev Wireless TENS ...
How to Use a Percussion Massager for Shoulder & Neck Pain Relief
• Video
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Dr. Jo is a Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy.
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How to Use a TENS Unit for Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief:
• How to Use a TENS Unit...
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DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is not medical advice or a personalized treatment plan and is intended for general education and demonstration purposes only. Perform the moves in this content at your own risk. These moves may not be appropriate for your specific situation, so get approval and guidance from your own healthcare provider before beginning. If anything is painful or doesn’t feel right, stop immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
Don’t use this content to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use this content to avoid going to your own healthcare provider or to replace the advice they give you. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ask Doctor Jo, LLC, its officers, employees, and contractors for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this content. Ask Doctor Jo, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content.
PRODUCT PLACEMENT DISCLAIMER: This video contains paid product placement. Thank you to iReliev for sponsoring this video and providing Doctor Jo with a free Wireless TENS/EMS Unit to use.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Buy an iReliev Wireless TENS/EMS unit at: ireliev.com/product/therapeutic-wearable-system?uid=2&oid=1&affid=17 (affiliate link) Don't forget to hit the 🔴 *SUBSCRIBE* 🔴 button above! *Find all of my videos at **kzbin.info*

[@domingafermin5837]

SHOW VIDEO AND HOWUCH IS IT.

[@MyPlantsAgainstTheWorld]

Doctor Jo, as a 26 year old, who is experiencing near immobility due to back pain for the first time in her life; I love you so so much! The exercises you show are all actually save and doable (other channels show exercises you can’t possibly do without excruciating pain) and relieve lots of the pain! Thanks for all your informative videos !!

[@vedder10]

Between this and your inversion table video I'm in heaven when it comes to my back pain relief. I've had a TENS machine for years and never new where to place the pads. Although I like this wireless one much better. Might be time to upgrade.

[@phdboycat]

I use my Aleve brand TENS unit all the time! Wireless and very powerful to stop spasming.

[@lildoobers]

I was like let's see what they're trying to sell me in this video 🙄 then I see it's from Dr. Jo and I sat right up in my seat ready to take notes. You're the best, Dr. Jo!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks 😎

[@realestateinfonet9041]

Superb info! Thank you very much for taking the time to share it with us!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@michaelmcfarland7429]

Excellent vid! Easily understood and explained in “normal” language.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks!

[@theguitarbar9253]

Yup much better placment then I was using for the pads thanks!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@Avtovaz21057]

thanks thats helped a lot!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@darkpassenger65]

Can you explain how/why the electrical stimulation would relieve sciatica pain due to piriformis irritation.

[@aletheasavannah7127]

Super helpful thank you!!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@rava6781]

Would this help for SI joint pain? I have sacroiliitis (caused by my AS) & have a lot of pain down my legs.

[@mudasarnazar]

Dear doctor ! You make informative videos .I am new subscriber of you. God bless you ❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍 Love from Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks!

[@mikioni]

Thank you 🙂👏👏

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@EsKaYf4]

I use a Tenz, but I find streching helped permanently, especially where the nerve passes through the lower back. Then streching the piriformis muscle. I have used the ones you did, I now have no pain.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Stretches and exercises are definitely the best. TENS helps relieve the pain enough to be able to do them when you are really hurting. I'm glad you are feeling better.

[@Jakey4000]

Oh boy I can't wait to see the part with stretches.

[@Roger85able]

Your channel growing I think u can get to a million subs. Thanks for the help just was looking for bear 🐻

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. He is hanging around.

[@Roger85able]

@@AskDoctorJo that beary good!! Where have all the cowgirls gonna?

[@AskDoctorJo]

😎

[@casanostra4113]

Hello doctor thanks a lot for this informative video. I want to ask a question if you can help me with it. My father has Sciatica and he wanted to try using this device to relief the pain, but he has a prostate cancer that spread to the bones, so is it safe for him to use this device?

[@boutrosboutrosboutrosboutros]

Thank you! I really wanted to use my TENS machine and didnt really know if it was a good idea. I am using 2 electrodes over the glute area as this is wher I have my pain often. I am letting it contract the muscle a bit it feels pretty good

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@TalonSky]

Dude I've been using a wired Tens for years and I never knew I was supposed to cross the electrodes like that!

[@jamesadams7131]

I have a NexWave unit that has IFC/TENS/NMES the instructions say to use the IFC first then the TENS if pain persists. What would you suggest? Also, if the sciatic pain is only on one side do you need to cross the spine, or would one side be OK?

[@Giovanonifamily]

Do u have a video for where to place it on the piriformis?

[@purnendusekharchakraborty2783]

Mam, Your you tube class very nice. We are benefited by your treatment suggestions. Thankyou.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome.

[@jamesfurz7406]

Thanks :)

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@floridaprimehomes9179]

Hi Dr.Jo, how many minutes should I use the tens machine for?

[@amitjesus2266]

Mam one video how to improve forward banding excise

[@HumanGoodOne]

Thank you Dr. Jo. Today I purchased my first Tens& Ems machine. EV - 806. After a year !! of struggling with sciatica and periformis syndrome I finally hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Help me God! Thanks to this lady at the store that I had a brief chat with about our pains and back problems. She mentioned the Dr.Ho's machine. (I was clueless.) She gave me few tips and off she went. Wonderful kind person.😖 Here I am. Got my first machine today. I'm so hopeful that it will help. I'm tired, sleep deprived and my liver loaded with painkillers. Thank you for you channel and yourpositivity. I hope to find more information here.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. I hope it helps too.

[@Shesthedarkness]

Did it help you any? I’ve been with Chronic Sciatica everyday for 2 years and now finding out about this

[@starlite7785]

@@Shesthedarkness do you ever feel a bulge in your lower back during a flare up? Also pain during a bowel movement? How do you manage I'm so fed up being in pain .

[@KevinDuffyRealtor]

Any chance using a tens unit too long it could have created a problem that irritated my sciatic nerve??

[@blessedgirly7402]

How does this compare to the H-Wave machine?

[@crackjadoo4421]

Thank u doctor . your videos helps lot of people. Is this product available world wide or only in U.S

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. You can find out about this particular one by clicking on the link in the description below the video.

[@nanBread5]

Great information, thank you for sharing ! Is there a recommendation on how many times one should use the tens unit in a day ?

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. It can be done 3-5 times a day.

[@coronitaflotante]

Great question

[@coronitaflotante]

And thanks for the response

[@hassan-mr2su]

You are the best in the world

[@BillandJennTraveling]

Great info! Also where did you get your shirt? Its so cool!!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks! I got it from Amazon.com 😎

[@nixonfleming893]

I have Stacia pain I used all types stretching methods rise knee or lay down put one leg over other grab knee try stretch other knee toward left with right knee use resistance bands around knees try loose up hip muscles and lower back and take salt bath .even use ibuprofen and heating pads for pain even ice .I feel likev80 years old I have be very careful when I bend over or try sitting down I have hard time sleeping. I put my legs on bunch pillows raise leg up couple itches see help take pressure of I may by one of those willow pillows u can put both legs on it put on bed take pressure off .and get one for knees I sleep on my side.

[@starlite7785]

Do you ever feel a bulge in your lower back during a flare up? Also nerve pain during a bowel movement.

[@austrianoak2212]

Can the wireless be used on the piriformis muscle?

[@sharonlarsen4209]

I just subscribed. I just received an Auvon TENS EMS unit in the mail that I ordered to help my sciatica and stenosis. My chiropractor suggested it might help me but he will not give any advise on how to use it. I appreciate the guidance in your videos. Do you think it would help to use the EMS mode? Thank you

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks, and you're welcome. EMS is for muscle retraining, so it really depends on what you are using it for. For pain control, TENS is better.

[@CANDIKONETT]

I noticed you said not to use an EMS, I have a device that has ems with multiple settings like scraping, massage, kneeding and slimming. it's a handheld cavitation device I thought I could use it because it had the tens type set up?

[@gerrygizzygarcia2572]

I had sciatica that went down my leg 3 times in the last yr but the last time i got it was in jan but unfortunately i still spinal stenosis an extrusion and a heirnated disk any advice

[@pianotnt]

There are frequency videos that can help you just type frequency for spinal spinosis

[@daniellerose9323]

So if I have a herniated disc will this actually help it heal?

[@jonathanbeattie3410]

No, it won’t heal it. But it could disrupt the pain signals to the brain giving relief. Remember after chronic pain (3-4 months) your brain has been trained that pain in that area is normal and will sometimes keep telling you it hurts even after the disc herniation has settled down

[@lashondahardyway2652]

How long should each session be

[@bburd-jt8os]

Are these safe to use? I fell on ice and have it cranked up to ten for relief. Is this ok to do for hours?

[@ThePixiejenn]

I have a pretty difficult diagnosis, and I’m wondering if this will help. I have lower body neuropathy and femoral neuropathy. I haven’t been able to exercise because my Dr is afraid and if this will help that would be great.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Unfortunately, I don't know since I can't evaluate you. If you can go see a physical therapist for an evaluation, that would be the best option.

[@toby621]

how you make them stick to hair this is a big pain when you are hairy

[@sharpfocus5]

Can you use this during pregnancy for sciatic pain.

[@LalaPayette]

Is this safe to use while pregnant? I am in so much pain when trying to sleep cuz I’m constantly sleeping on my left side and sometimes my right. Nothing is giving me sciatic relief and it sucks :( I have a tens machine for labour but I want to try it for my pain before labour too just not sure if it’s safe or where to place the pads

[@Rosman1974]

My pain stems from right above my left hip on my left side. Around the muscle. It goes down to my leg and it feels numb. My leg feels numb I meant

[@parvathymagindran4599]

Me olso face same problem Are you okay now

[@Rosman1974]

@@parvathymagindran4599 the pain has always been manageable to this point. So I am ok. Thanks for asking

[@maryreeson7544]

My sister has that

[@EmorettaRobinson]

Hi. I was told last year that I have degenerative discs in my back, a disc out of place in my back (the S1 I believe), arthritis in my back( I didn't know that it was possible to have arthritis in your back) , sciatica down my whole left leg from the hip to my toes and bone on bone in both of my knees. To be blunt... I am in pain. Not sometimes, not most of the time. I'm in pain all day and all night. I wake up during the night in pain. I wake up in the morning in pain. I have a 55 lb red heeler that I walk 3 times a day. I dread doing this because I'm in pain. I feel like a horrible person because of it. It's not my dogs fault that I'm in pain. At the end of December and the second week in January I had the nerves burned along each side of my spine. My spine Dr said this would give me 2 years of not being in pain because since the nerves sends the signals to the brain that there's pain. And they can't send that signal if they've been burned. Then I'd be pain free. I felt absolutely no difference. Meaning I was still in pain. About 2 months ago I had my 3rd epidural in my back. I'm still in pain. I've also had 4 steroid injections in both knees since last August. And 3 lubricant injections in both knees. I've used Tiger Balm, Capsaicin, Lidocaine, icy hot patches. I've made golden milk. Which has turmeric, ginger, black pepper to activate the turmeric, almond milk and a tablespoon of honey. I've also gone through physical therapy. And I have pain in my but which I was told is from the nerves and the disc being out of place in my lower back. I use a foam roller. I do stretches. I'm in an excruciating amount of pain. This video was the first time that I could actually see what was going on. So thank you for making the video to begin with. And thank you for using the prop. Because I was seriously wondering what the pain in my butt had to do with my back. Meaning I needed an illustration and a good explanation. Now your video didn't take away the pain. But at least it explained it. My Drs have not done that. I felt that not only was I not being heard when I spoke to them. But I also felt like my body was defective because nothing they've done and no medication that they've prescribed has helped. So again, thank you so much. 🙂❤

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. I'm glad the video helped you understand it a little better. Understanding why something hurts is very important in the healing process. Have you ever tried aquatic therapy? Sometimes when there is pain in multiple places, getting in a pool and exercising (not swimming, but actually exercising) helps because it takes the impact away that often causes more pain.

[@EmorettaRobinson]

@@AskDoctorJo you're welcome. And yes, I have thought of aquatic therapy. I've thought it would be more helpful.

[@EmorettaRobinson]

@@HugsXO thanks for sharing. I was told I'd need to see a neurologist. And that one option is to have pins put on each side of my spine. I've been looking into so many different options like red light therapy and umbilical cord stem cell injections. I've also watched videos of people having stem cells removed from other parts of their bodies and injected into the areas that they are having problems with. But my Drs say they've never heard of red light therapy. And my spine Dr said with the stem cells that they could just be injecting cancer cells. He's not the most optimistic person. But I'm just wanting to find the best options for me. And the aquatic therapy sounds like it could help. And honestly I could use anything that can help. I hope everything is going well for you. And thank you so much for sharing. I found encouragement in your comment. And I appreciate that.

[@MsJudi54]

@@EmorettaRobinson I'd suggest changing doctors if possible. It takes awhile to find a good doctor & a compassionate staff to augment the doctor's physical exams, assessments, & plan of care. The plan should involve YOU, because you are the one that must be satisfied with it & make sure it meets your needs, physically, financially, emotionally, & mentally. You also must be able to physically set up any equipment, workspace, etc., & as you have undoubtedly discovered, when you have multiple pain sites, it is EXHAUSTING & FRUSTRATING to initiate a variety of pain modalities while you're in the midst of excruciating & chronic pain!! Only a person who has had your experiences can truly understand your situation, & most healthcare professionals have no friggin' idea what you're talking about, & it is a rare one who actually puts in the time or effort in figuring it out & thinking outside the box to get you adequate pain relief. These people are out there, however, but it takes some time to find them. Try not to get too discouraged & keep reading & watching various videos like this one & using trial & error like you've been doing. Teaching others helps, also, in that you will feel good when you help others, it will help distract you from your own pain situation, & you will have to learn the details more thoroughly when you aim to communicate this information to others!

[@EmorettaRobinson]

@@MsJudi54 thank you so much for your advice. I appreciate it and it means a lot to me.❤

[@vanessaboyle2910]

Hello! My sciatic nerve is very sore! I’m breastfeeding so, do you think can I use the tens machine? I read somewhere that while you are breastfeeding you can’t! 🤔 Thanks!

[@AskDoctorJo]

I have not heard that, but you should definitely check with your doctor first.

[@TrumpetSAE]

👏🏾❤️👏🏾❤️❤️👏🏾❤️❤️👏🏾❤️👏🏾

[@johanamedina491]

Hello dr jo do you by any change answer questions on email ?

[@lulucastillo7269]

I like that wireless ..i have one with wires

[@AskDoctorJo]

It's a great feature!

[@adeemarif4399]

Is these machine is safe

[@tanupandey260]

dear doctor just answer me one thing,. does this device also helps for menstrual pain relief/ dysmenorrhea.?

[@muhammedsidhan7]

Which mod i use

[@muhammedsidhan7]

Please reply mam

[@velocci6666]

Is the pain relief permanent or just temporary?

[@illhaveanother4365]

Yes

[@velocci6666]

@@illhaveanother4365 which one? Permanent or temporary?

[@Roger85able]

My shoulder been sore. But from lifting weights 😂

[@AskDoctorJo]

I hope it feels better soon.

[@gerrygizzygarcia2572]

And where do u get these

[@AskDoctorJo]

The link is in the description below the video.

[@gerrygizzygarcia2572]

@@AskDoctorJo ok thank u u think these can help a heirnated disk pr spinal stenosis? Or would it aggravate it?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Unfortunately, I don't know if it will help you since I can't evaluate you.

[@gerrygizzygarcia2572]

@@AskDoctorJo ok thank u

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@mrstevek118]

How do I know where the pain is coming from

[@AskDoctorJo]

The best way is to get evaluated by a physical therapist. This might also help point you in the right direction: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpacXmuJasaDedk

[@Simranjeetkaur-ht6vp]

plz hindi ch video bna do

[@AskDoctorJo]

If you turn on the Closed Captions (by pressing the "CC" button at the bottom of the video) you can have KZbin automatically translate the captions into many different languages! I show how to do all this and more here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJLXf3WQnZtphtE

[@Roger85able]

No dog's

[@AskDoctorJo]

Not this time.

[@Roger85able]

@@AskDoctorJo was coulmbus day yesterday at least you did a video