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, pain can persist and impact 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 passive treatments. This includes management combining 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 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.

Our bodies have powerful mechanisms to reduce pain. First, the electrical impulses block the pain signals transmitted to the brain, which reduces pain sensation where the electrodes are placed. Secondly, it can 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 considered safe for home use. Unlike medication, it has no side effects, making it highly appreciated. Ideally, to properly address individual needs and gain a better understanding how and when to activate our body's natural pharmacy, it should be accompanied by an educational session led by a health professional.

TENS should be considered as a complement to standard care for relieving lower back pain. It offers a straightforward and cost-effective solution that can be self-administered regularly at home or during daily activities.

Navigating Towards Autonomy: Providing Education and Support for Activity-Focused Use

As we've explained, to effectively address lower back pain, it is important to understand pain management, to be capable of self-administration, and to favor active methods. You now understand, that TENS, when taught properly with the aim of promoting autonomy and activity in your pain management, can align with best practices.

For example, you could wear your TENS device while working because it is portable and discreet. You can use it while sitting for extended periods or when you need to stand or walk, helping in better pain management during your daily activities.

“TENS allowed me to lead an active life again. I was hardly walking because the pain was too strong. Now, I can 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 experience highlights the beneficial effect of a TENS on the quality of life for those dealing with persistent lower back pain. When properly instructed and integrated into a holistic pain management approach, TENS can play a pivotal role in enabling individuals to regain control over their health and leading an active and fulfilling life. Thus, its use should be considered as an integral part of the best practices for addressing lower back pain, providing a safe, effective, and flexible solution tailored to your needs.

This is where SET comes in to support you by offering training on TENS usage. At SET, we firmly believe that patient empowerment is essential for effective pain management. By combining expert advice with appropriate TENS usage, we will assist you in taking control of your 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