Taking Control of Lower Back Pain: SET's Holistic Approach Through Functional Electrotherapy

Many people suffer from lower back pain, often for a short period. However, for some, this pain persists and impacts their ability to fully engage in an active life, limiting their ability to perform daily, recreational, and professional activities. It also poses a challenge at work, where days are marked by the need to stand, bend, lift objects, and actively interact with others.

What approaches do health professionals recommend?

Scientific studies suggest that sustainable approaches to pain management involve patients taking an active part in their own well-being, rather than just receiving treatments passively. This includes management that combines exercises and educational advice provided by health professionals.

However, it is also important to find strategies for active pain management. Is medication the only solution? Several non-pharmacological approaches can lead to a reduction in pain, and an interesting option is the use of functional electrotherapy through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, also known as TENS.

Exploring Functional Electrotherapy: The Power of TENS

TENS is a small portable device that can be used daily to help manage pain. Its operating principle is based on sending low electrical impulses through the skin to stimulate nerves. When properly applied and used, these impulses can activate our own natural pain pharmacy in two different ways.

Indeed, our bodies have powerful mechanisms to reduce pain. First, the electrical impulses block the pain signals sent to the brain, which reduces the sensation of pain where the electrodes are placed. Secondly, they can also trigger the release of natural analgesic substances, such as endorphins. This substance is powerful and promotes general well-being, similar to exercise.

Since it activates our own natural pharmacy, TENS is safe for home use. Unlike medication, it has no side effects, making it highly appreciated. Ideally, to properly target individual needs, better understand how and when to activate our pharmacy and its two functions, it should be accompanied by an educational session by a health professional.

TENS should be considered as a complement to standard care for relieving lower back pain, as it can be a simple and cost-effective proposal since it can be self-administered regularly at home or during daily activities.

Navigating Towards Autonomy: Education and Support for Activity-Favoring Use

As we have explained, to effectively treat lower back pain, it is important to understand how to manage pain, be able to use it alone, and favor active methods. You will understand, therefore, that TENS, when taught properly with the goal of making you autonomous and active in your own pain management, can align with best practices.

For example, you could wear it at work because it is portable and discreet. You could use it when sitting for long periods or when you need to stand or walk to help you better manage your pain during daily activities.

“TENS allowed me to lead an active life again. I was hardly walking because the pain was too strong. Now, I am able to function and do my everyday things. I have no words to express what TENS has brought me.” - M. Léveillé, a SET patient

M. Léveillé's story testifies to the positive impact of TENS on the quality of life of people suffering from persistent lower back pain. When taught appropriately and integrated into a comprehensive pain management approach, TENS can play a crucial role in allowing individuals to regain control over their health and lead an active and fulfilling life. Thus, its use should be considered as an integral part of the best practices for treating lower back pain, offering a safe, effective, and adaptable solution to your needs.

This is where SET comes in to support you by offering training on the use of TENS. At SET, we firmly believe that patient empowerment is essential for effective pain management. By combining expert advice with the appropriate use of technologies such as TENS, we help you take control of lower back pain and your health.

Click here to learn more about our pain management solutions or contact one of our experts.

References:

Johnson et al., 2022; Travers et al., 2020; C. G. T. Vance et al., 2022