Proper Electrode Placement for Neck Pain and How to Benefit using TENS therapy for Neck Pain 

According to Harvard University, doctors estimate that in some point in their lives, seven out of 10 people will have neck pain. Work, poor posture, trauma (such as as a result of a car accident), and overuse are common causes of neck pain. Some symptoms of neck pain include aching, shooting, burning, and/or throbbing.

Various neck pain therapies include cold packs, medication, rest, and in some cases electrical stimulation such as TENS or Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

How to Use the TENS Unit for Neck Pain

Many people find relief of their sudden neck pain by using a Utopia Gear TENS unit. The best way to use a TENS unit for neck pain include:

Starting on the lower part of the neck and moving higher up the neck gradually if needed(see illustration below).

Using smaller electrode pads ( 1.24"(W) X 1.63"(H) X .13"(D)), which are great for areas such as the neck.

Keeping the lead wires angled towards the ground to avoid the pads from becoming top heavy; this is important as this will make the pads adhere to the skin better.

The hairline is the highest part of the neck the pads should be placed.  Four pads can be ran at the same time(see illustration below), but two is usually the preferred amount.  Keep in mind that the higher up the neck you place the pads, the stronger the device will feel.  This is why it is advised to start a little lower on the neck and why most people prefer the more gentler modes on all of Utopia Gear's models.   

What Causes Neck Pain?

A stiff neck or neck pain is typically not anything to worry about and is a common problem. The pain usually subsides after a week or less. It’s usually a result of sleeping in a wrong position, bad posture, or using the computer for long periods of time. Stress and anxiety can cause tension in the muscles of your neck in some cases too. Other common causes of neck pain could include the following:

Locked or Twisted Neck

Often people can wake up with their neck stuck in a twisted position. This is referred to as acute torticollis and is the result of an injury to the muscles in the neck. There is no known cause for this; however, sleeping without supporting the neck, bad posture or carrying heavy loads that are not balanced like a heavy bag, for instance could be a cause. This condition lasts usually around 24 to 48 hours, but could take over a week to recover.

Neck Wear and Tear

In some cases, 'wear and tear' in the neck can lead to pain. This happens to the joints and bones in your neck and is a form of arthritis called cervical spondylosis. This condition happens as you age naturally and doesn't always have symptoms except maybe a stiff neck in some people when the bone changes. Nerves nearby can often be squashed leading to pain radiating from your arms, numbness in the legs and hands and pins and needles. Treatment improves this condition in as little as a few weeks.

Whiplash

When your head is suddenly moved forwards, sideways, or backwards it can lead to whiplash. A sudden impact, like a car accident, is often the cause. When the head is moved vigorously, it damages and overstretches the ligaments and tendons of the neck. In addition to stiffness and pain, whiplash can also cause headaches, painful and reduced neck movements and tenderness in the muscles of the neck.

Pinched Nerve

When a pinched nerve causes neck pain, it's referred to as cervical radiculopathy. Typically, one of the discs that is located between the bones of the vertebrae (upper spine) splits open and leads to gel distending to a nearby nerve outwardly. Older people often get this condition since when you age, you lose water in your spinal discs which results in them becoming less flexible and splitting. You can take painkillers to lessen the pain or in some cases, surgery.

More Severe Causes

If you notice your neck pain is getting progressively worse or more persistent, chances are you might have a more serious case. Other symptoms to look for include:

Problems walking

Not being coordinated

Fever

Loss of bowel or bladder control

Weight loss that is unexplained

More serious cases usually result from a trauma like a fall or car accident or if cancer runs in your family or other conditions like HIV that weakens your immune system. Always speak to your physician when you have neck pain, especially severe and prolonged neck pain.

Special Considerations for Using a TENS Unit for Neck Pain

When using a portable tens unit, there are precautions you should take. If you fall asleep while the electrostimulation intensity is too strong, you could end up with an electrical burn on the area where you placed the adhesive pads.  The great thing about modern TENS/EMS devices is most have a built in timer to avoid this situation.  

If you are experiencing numbness over the area that is injured, this could lead to you turning the intensity up too strong and again causing an electrical burn. Remember, the higher up the neck you place the pads the stronger the device will feel. People usually prefer more of the gentler settings on the neck as opposed to the more aggressive modes. Overall, a stim machine is easy to use, safe, and is a great way to provide effective acute or chronic neck pain relief.

If you believe that a TENS device or an electronic muscle stimulator (EMS) unit could benefit you concerning your neck pain, purchase one from Utopia Gear today. 

And if you have any questions about our products, call us toll free at 888-237-4997 or email us at customerservice@utopiagear.com. We’d love to answer any or all of your questions. 

See Also:

_____________________________________________________________________________

• Using a TENS Unit for Knee Pain
• Using a TENS Unit for Shoulder Pain
• Using a TENS Unit for Back Pain
• 5 Things To Look For When Buying a Portable TENS Unit
• Home

Have you thought about using a TENS unit to provide pain relief? This form of pain management has actually been around for over forty years, so this isn’t a new method for therapeutic treatment. TENS stands for “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation” which is a mouthful to say and exactly why it’s shortened to just “TENS” in most electrotherapy descriptions.

The whole concept is using a device for pain relief. These portable stimulators can, with a low frequency, stimulate the nerves to hopefully provide some relief. When you suffer from various types of pain, TENS therapy can possibly be a game changer for you. If you are worried about potential side effects with a TENS unit, let’s get all of those worries out in the open so you can make a more informed decision about using this physical therapy device to your benefit.   

Let Our Staff Answer any Questions You May Have   

At UtopiaGear, we are more than happy to have our customer service staff answer any and all questions you have about using an e-stim machine. Feel free to call or email us anytime before you make your decisions about which product to purchase.   

A Little More About how a TENS Machine Works   

The way that these machines work is by using electrode pads. Those pads are placed on your body where you are experiencing the pain and then the machine sends electric pulses through the device to the electrode pads. Then they stimulate the nerves with different wave patterns. It contracts and relaxes the muscles in a pleasant way. Keep in mind this is a low-frequency wave pattern, so you don't have to worry about overdoing the treatment, if you use it properly. Considered non-invasive electrostimulation,stim machines are something that’s been used by physical therapists, chiropractic establishments, and in-home use for many years now and is considered a safe, low risk device.   

Possible Side Effects    

Let’s get to the potential side effects, which are mainly an issue if the device isn’t used properly. Most people safely use the pulse stimulator without any issues or difficulties at all. The side effects mainly come from overuse of the machine. The ideal usage of the machine, which is outlined in our FAQ section of the website, is up to 2-3 times per day for 10-30 minutes each session. You can go as long as 60 minutes per session if needed, but most users will find that 20 minutes is plenty. All of our stimulators here at Utopia Gear have a default timer of 20 minutes, which will shut off automatically when the timer expires. The only potential side effect you might experience is a little soreness if you use the device for longer than recommended. That’s all there is to it, just one possible side effect of using the therapy. So there really aren’t “side effects” to worry about. If you do experience a little soreness the day after, just ease up on your sessions going forward until you get used to using the device and find the time frame that works best for you.   

A Note on Skin Irritations     

The only other aspect to think about is the placement of the electrode pads. You don’t want to put them on skin that is irritated, broken, or inflamed. If you experience minor skin irritation from the pads, just make sure you are keeping them clean and replacing them when needed. The accessory pads are available in a number of different sizes to best suit your needs. It’s estimated in studies done that only 2-3 % of people experience an adverse reaction to the adhesive on the pads or the material the pads are made of. Be sure to clean them on a regular basis with a swipe of alcohol or by using a baby wipe. Always place the pads back on the protective film after each use so they stay adhesive for you, easily attaching to the skin. You don't want any dust, dirt, or debris to reduce the adhesive quality.     

Do you feel more informed about possible side effects you may experience when using a TENS unit? We hope so, but it’s worth mentioning again that we at UtopiaGear are more than happy to answer any questions you might have before you make your purchase or anytime after. We’re always here for you so that using a stimulator to your benefit is a terrific experience all around.

Be sure to check out our reviews to see why people prefer our TENS machines over the competition. And whether you already have a device and want to upgrade or looking to purchase your first TENS unit and want to make sure you receive a high quality device at a reasonable price, then go directly here and you will not be disappointed. 

See Also:

_____________________________________________________________________________

• FSA/HSA for a TENS Unit?
• Using a TENS Unit for Knee Pain
• Using a TENS Unit for Shoulder Pain
• Using a TENS Unit for Back Pain
• 5 Things To Look For When Buying a Portable TENS Unit
• Home

Here’s some good news for those with a Flexible Spending Accounts regarding TENS units. We’re set up to take FSA cards and HSA (health savings account) at Utopia Gear. This is truly beneficial news for those needing some pain relief from a nerve stimulator, since these are completely FSA approved items. You may not have considered using these kinds of savings plans for TENS therapy before, but hopefully, this can save you some money in the long run.

So if you’ve been worried about the cost for a while on these devices and haven't looked into getting one, now might be the time to explore your many options in a stim unit that’s easy to use. No matter what ailment you might suffer from, TENS therapy is a proven way to make relief a real possibility.   

What Is A Flexible Spending Account?

Your specific health plan or insurance might come with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). If you are unsure about what that is, these are a special account that you put money into that isn’t taxed. The saved money allows you to contribute to healthcare related needs like co-pays, deductibles, prescription medications, and even FSA approved items such as medical equipment. And now the portable TENS unit is a part of that category. 

Your FSA card will probably have a phone number or website on the back that you can call for more information if you have questions about specific expenses it covers for you or your family. You generally have a limit on the amount of money that can go into an FSA and depending on your company’s insurance plan, you have to use that money up within the calendar year. Sometimes you can request an extra grace period of time to use the money, or may be able to carry over a certain amount to the next calendar year.   

What Is a Health Savings Account?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is another type of tax-advantaged savings plan that helps pay for high-deductible insurance plans. You can only have one of these accounts if you have that High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with your deductible being a minimum of $1700 for an individual and $2700 for a family. These are a little different from FSAs because you can usually roll over the saved money year to year to take care of high deductible costs.   

How Utopia Gear Works With FSA And HSA

Here’s the even better news. We’re going to make purchasing a TENS unit so much easier in regards to your benefits card. All you have to do is purchase the device and we’ll handle the rest, which includes all the invoicing and documentation for your insurance accounts, like the Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account. The less paperwork you have to do the faster you can just get back to enjoying your life.

Pick Out The Best TENS Unit For Your Needs

Shopping for the right device couldn’t be simpler with the details and specs laid out in a comparison style way for you to choose from. So whether the Utopia Pro 2.0 is more your style, the Utopia Pro 3.0, or any of our other exceptional electrotherapy models, it’s all up to you. At least you know we’ll take your FSA card without any kind of hassle. We have your back on this one literally! 

If you still have some questions about how your particular benefits card work with our TENS units, please feel free to give us a call today or email our customer service team at your earliest convenience. We’re more than happy to answer any and all concerns you might have. Above all, we just want you to get the best possible result in regards to using our devices to provide pain relief you sorely need. Flex accounts shouldn't have to be a pain too!

The 3.0 TENS machine Versus Aleve Direct Therapy   

Back pain can sometimes be fairly tricky to treat on your own. It’s estimated that at any given moment up to 31 million people have some form of back pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association. Plus, it’s the single leading cause of disability in the world. If you are one of those who suffer, you may have been to various doctors, tried ice or heat seeking relief, and even stopped doing some of the activities you love. All this in order to be in less pain. That’s not any way to live. Seeking out alternative therapies that you can do in the comfort of your own home might be the way to go in order to secure some relief. Have you heard of TENS therapy? This is even a concept that’s been brought to the masses by some over the counter medicine companies like Aleve, which recently came out with their own TENS device called Aleve Direct Therapy. The question is this, will something you can buy at your local drugstore be better than more advanced stimulators you can buy from Utopia Gear? Let’s do a comparison about a few key points between The Pro 3.0 and the new Aleve Direct Therapy.   

Batteries Versus Charging: Who Uses What Type?    

Due to the lithium battery in the TENS unit that the  Pro 3.0 has, you don’t have to buy replacement batteries. The lithium battery allows for weeks of use before it needs a quick one-hour charge. That’s it! This will last through at least 30 sessions, which is a terrific feature. The Aleve unit on the other hand runs on two AAA batteries that you’ll have to replace quite often. Do you love buying batteries all the time? Probably not, which is why the Utopia Pro 3 is definitely superior on this point.   

It’s Better To Have Different Settings and Modes: Whose Unit Does?  

Guess who wins in this comparison? The Pro 3.0 has 12 different modes, with 20 levels of intensity for a truly customizable experience that will have you targeting your own specific needs in pain management therapy. The Aleve Direct Therapy device only has one three stage wave pattern. That’s not a lot of variety to really target the muscle groups in your back that need the therapy in the first place. Is the Aleve unit doing much of anything at all?    

You Have To Replace The Pads: Which Are Less Often?    

In the Aleve model, the pads are only meant to last through five single use sessions. That’s not a lot considering you probably want to use the TENS unit a few times per day, in order to truly get some pain relief. That’s going to add up to a considerable amount of money being spent on replacement pads all the time. On the other hand, the 3.0 TENS unit has pads that are made to last. The electrode pads are meant for heavy and continual use for multiple wearings each day.  The best part is that when you take care of our pads, they are going to last at least 6 months for you. So clearly the pads on the Pro 3.0 have to be replaced less often due to their superior strength and being made of higher quality materials. They are not thin and flimsy, like the Aleve Direct Therapy electrode pads. You'll spend more in pads in a couple months with Aleve's then you would with a Utopia Gear purchase and still be on the same set of original pads.     

The Strength Consideration: The Stronger Model Is Definitely This One    

Clearly the stronger model is the Pro 3.0. The intensity and variation of methods in use of our TENS machine is much higher with Utopia Gear’s, as opposed to the drugstore version that Aleve manufacturers. Plus, it has a dual input that allow you to target two different muscle groups at the same time for a more effective electrotherapy session. The Aleve doesn’t have that at all, with its one-size-fits all mentality.   

Portability Factor: Whose Can You Take On The Go?  

Clearly the Utopia Gear Pro 3.0 portable TENS unit is meant to be used on the go. It’s even small enough to fit in your pocket. The Aleve Direct Therapy unit is big, bulky, and has a remote control that needs to be used with the unit. Plus, it’s not very lightweight. In fact the unit is quite heavy, which seems to be counterintuitive to helping your back issues. It’s not convenient and definitely isn’t going to be portable enough to take with you on various activities. Our TENS stimulators are meant to be worn on the go, which is why it’s portability factor is much higher than Aleve’s. No one will even know you are wearing it when you are out and about.    

In the end, it’s up to you about which stim machine you want to buy. If you want a more professional unit that is just as powerful as the ones the chiropractor or physical therapists use, the clear winner is Utopia Gear’s Pro 3.0. Nice try Aleve. You just don’t really make that much sense to use for effective relief of pain management when you get right down to it.

Does a TENS Machine have a curative value?

When you are in chronic pain it can take over your whole life. All you do is think about, focus on, and dwell over whichever part of your body is giving you the most trouble. It can really eat away at your day, making even normal activities a problem. Working through the pain is what you have been trying to do all along, without much success. It’s still there creeping up on you over and over. Wouldn’t it be nice to make a real change in regards to your pain? Let’s talk about how you can find temporary, but significant relief in regards to your chronic pain with the right portable TENS unit.

The Most Common Pain Points

Common places people usually experience pain is in their lower back, neck area, and shoulders where your body does a lot of the work for routine household activities or at their jobs. You’ve seen countless doctors and pain management therapists to no avail. It’s time to think about what you can do on your own. A good pain management tool is a portable TENS unit. This type of stim machine is going to offer some temporary relief of the pain associated with sore and aching muscles. While it may not be a cure for the pain, any relief you can get is a positive step towards feeling better. Not only does pain wear away at your body, it can affect your mental outlook as well. This is a fact to take very seriously because finding the right TENS therapy can do wonders for your total health.

What Is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Therapy? (TENS)

Electrical stimulation machines, or a STIM machine is going to deliver low-voltage electrical current through electrodes to the certain muscle groups on the body. You can place your device anywhere on your body you are having pain. A portable TENS unit allows you to wear the unit and go about your normal activities, which makes it a very convenient device. It can feel when you are wearing the device like a very pleasant sensation on the skin. You can even change up the settings to find the exact one you prefer.

Utopia Gear offers quite a few different TENS machines to choose from, like the Pro 3.0. This is our most popular model, with features that include:

• 12 TENS Modes
• Dual Inputs To Treat Two Areas Simultaneously
• Adjustable Timer
• 20 Intensities
• Rechargeable Battery
• Up To 30 Uses Per Charge
• Fits In Your Pocket

Another one to consider is the TENS Pro Mini. This unit may be the right kind for you, because it has “small but mighty pain relief.” With eight different stimulation modes, this lightweight unit is only three inches tall! Its pocket friendly size probably makes it smaller than your actual smartphone. This is the one you want to take with you on any weekend adventures or outings with your family. No one will even know that you are wearing this kind of device.

The Investment In a TENS Machine

When you are considering the cost of a TENS machine, it’s around $200. What you should think about is the “per use” cost. When you use the device over 5 years, it comes out to about 50 cents per use. Overall it’s much more cost effective than countless over-the-counter drugs that aren’t helping the problem, or even providing you any relief from the insistent pain. You can easily reduce the amount of prescription medicine you are on as well, when you feel the relief this machine can bring to your body.

Use It Wherever and Whenever You Like

The best part about the TENS machine is that you can use it whenever you want to. It puts you in charge of controlling your pain symptoms. While it isn’t a cure, it’s going to give you another option to treat your pain. Don’t stop going to physical therapy or listening to your doctor or chiropractor, but this type of home treatment can be used when you are in pain at 10:00 PM on a Saturday night, without a whole lot of other options. This is something you can have on you at all times. That’s what makes the TENS unit so valuable to you. Sometimes a cure isn’t in the cards for chronic pain, but doing something to make it better is the right start.

Check out our TENS unit reviews and consider purchasing a unit from Utopia Gear to help manage your pain. The reviews that you see reflect our high level of customer service as well as the best portable stim machines on the market today. And if you already have a nerve stimulator or an EMS device and want to experience a modern unit that is far superior then anything you have tried previously, reach out to us.  We are here to answer any questions you may have. Email us at customerservice@utopiagear.com or call us anytime at 888-237-4997.  

Many people enjoy running as a form of exercise. It’s true that running can be great for your cardiovascular health and wellness. Plus, it burns a ton of calories to contribute to weight loss, if that’s what your goal is with this tried and true form of physical activity. The problem some runners experience with intensive workouts is pain right afterwards. This includes temporary lower back pain that can be quite aggravating. When it starts to interfere with your desire to exercise that can be a big problem to have to deal with. 

There are a few solutions that can make running in general less painful. Having the right form while running, warming up with stretching before a big run, and wearing the correct kind of running shoes can help with pain in the long run. Those are just a few suggestions that fitness experts recommend. The reason the pain comes on after a long run is the repetitive impact of your feet hitting the hard pavement that can lead to lower back pain. It’s mostly muscle strains and spasms. If you have temporary pain right after, it can be beneficial to try TENS therapy. 

What Else Causes Low Back Pain During Running? 

It’s mainly a problem with the discs in your spine. When the repetitive impact of running puts strain on your low back area, and the discs are already damaged to begin with, it can cause pain issues. One of the reasons is if the spinal discs are herniated. Only an orthopedic doctor that does a MRI test can determine if that’s the true issue with your own back. It’s important to discuss your lower back pain with your doctor if it’s becoming a chronic stress in your life. 

Otherwise if you want to self treat at home your minor back pain, there are a few ways to do this. A great one is through TENS therapy. This portable TENS unit from UtopiaGear is perfect for melting away pain after a long run. Just place the TENS machine on your body in the area you want to treat, and wait for the almost immediate relief. The units are quite pleasant to use, and you won’t feel any discomfort from the device itself. You can even go about your regular activities while attached to the machine. The electrode pads are comfortable and smooth against your skin. 

Back Pain Relief With a STIM Machine 

Electrical stimulation machines or a stim machine uses electrical currents as an alternative manner in treating pain. There are different levels of intensity and stimulation modes that you can use to customize your therapy. For example, the Utopia PRO 3.0 is one of our most popular models. Loosen up with a relaxing stimulation setting on the machine to really get to the root of muscle recovery after running. The contract and relax function that the electrodes produce through the TENS unit work on your muscles in a unique way. This does work wonders on lower back pain after intense workouts. 

A Portable TENS Unit Is Convenient 

The convenience of the machine can’t be beat. It can seriously be used while you are walking around your house, making dinner, or even just walking the dog. The portability is one of the best assets to using the machine. Sometimes after you run, the last thing you want to do is park yourself on the couch, it’s best to keep moving as you cool down. Most experienced runners are active people who like to stay in motion. 

How To Relieve Lower Back Pain With TENS Therapy 

The stimulating pulses that TENS provides help to prevent the pain signals from your lower back in reaching your brain. That way you aren’t feeling so much of the intense pain. These devices also help to produce endorphins in the body, which also fight pain. They are in fact the same kind of endorphins released in the body while you are running. That’s what providers that “runner’s high” that serious runners are so fond of experiencing during long runs. 

When your muscles are tight and sore after running the stim machine will alleviate some of the discomfort. That way you are also relaxing to allow your muscles to recover better. You can get back to doing the things you love to do when you are in less pain from muscle spasms in your lower back area. 

Used daily, the TENS stimulator can be placed on your body as often as you like. Most people aim for a twenty to thirty minute session. Sometimes as little as a 10-minute session with the device is sufficient to reduce your pain. This is a non-invasive, non-drug, and chemical free way to treat significant pain in your body. It’s much better for you than popping a pill every time you feel a little ache or soreness after running. 

If you have any questions about what a portable TENS unit can do for you, give us a call or email today.  At Utopia Gear, our knowledgeable staff is more than happy to walk you through the benefits and uses of our devices in pain management. Our aim is to have you being able to do all the physical things you love on a daily basis, including running with less pain, as one of your fitness goals. 

If you are looking for the best TENS unit for home use, then you should consider purchasing a machine from us here at Utopia Gear.

In today’s world, most people are now familiar withTENS therapy and how it can help one manage their pain better. Even though the technology has been around for decades, until recently, one could only obtain a TENS machine through a prescription. Many people have tried a larger machine in physical therapy to rehab an injury or have had electrotherapy done at a chiropractor’s office at one time or another. The same technology is now available in an over the counter, hand-held device that is half the size of a cell phone . These extraordinary devices produce highly effective pain relief without causing the myriad of side effects associated with pain medications, Because of the convenience and effectiveness, its not wonder that TENS therapy has exploded in popularity in the last two years. If you are not familiar with TENS technology and how it can help you, please refer to the previously published blog post, " What is TENS".

The five most important issues when looking to purchase a portable TENS unit are the machine’s power, the battery life, the modes, the life of the electrode pads (TENS pads), and the company’s customer service. 

1. THE POWER POTENTIAL 

When selecting a machine, you must be sure that the power level is acceptable to your needs. Typically on lower end priced machines, the maximum power potential is very weak. You want the power intensity to be comfortable. It should feel intense, but should not hurt. This may vary from individual to individual. With lower priced TENS units on the market, often times the highest level is much too low to provide any benefit. This is a waste of money; many times, the customer will eventually upgrade to a better unit, or they may simply lose faith in TENS technology and turn to other methods to find relief. A wide range of power is recommended as every body part is different in regards to sensitivity. Ideally you should be able to set your unit to your desired intensity with some room to spare.

2. BATTERY LIFE

Many lower cost devices still run on a 9-volt battery or even 3 AAA batteries. For the daily user, this will make the annual cost skyrocket, and typically those won't translate to a powerful unit. The highest quality devices on the market today have a lithium ion battery. With a high quality lithium battery you can get weeks or even a month of usage before having to recharge the device. This can not only save money, but will eliminate the hassle of storing and changing constantly dead batteries.

3. MODES

Having the options for different types of electronic pulses, or modes, is essential for a high quality TENS unit. Some modern low-end models that can be purchased in drug stores or online have a very limited amount of modes. Sometimes only one or two. Users may find that certain modes work well for certain types of pain - with only one or two modes, finding the perfect mode may not be an option. Having multiple options available to the user, makes the experience much more enjoyable.

4. THE LIFE OF THE TENS ELECTRODE PADS

Some companies will sell quality electrode pads to get you in the door but sell "bargain" replacement pads that wear out so quickly you will constantly be purchasing new ones. The cost of this can become extraordinary in a short amount of time for the daily user. For example, there is currently a commercial on TV where a well known over-the-counter pain relief company is now selling a TENS unit. The price of the unit is significantly lower than a good quality TENS machine, however, the pads only last up to five applications and are $15 to replace. This means that the daily user would spend nearly $1100 on replacement pads in one year! Suddenly that affordable TENS unit isn't so affordable after all. This is why it's so important to ask about the life of the TENS pads. A good quality set should last for months of daily use before needing to be replaced.

5. CUSTOMER SERVICE

Last, but certainly not least, is customer service. This might be one of the most important features associated with your TENS unit.  Since theyhave become available over-the-counter, this has become a very popular product to sell. Unfortunately, when a popular product comes along, deceitful salespeople and retailers begin to pop up everywhere. Many of these companies will not be around in 6 months and, simply put, are nothing but a “fly by night company”.

A good TENS unit is an investment in your health. With such an investment, you deserve to speak to a human being in the event that you ever have a question or problem with your unit. You also deserve to speak to a person who has the ability to make any situation right and stands by their product. A reputable company will offer a straight forward, no-nonsense warranty --  not one with lots of fine print in hopes to get out of ever honoring it, or charging a fee just to use it. Many companies will charge customers $10-$20 to diagnose the problem with the unit. 

Well, there you have it; the 5 most important features when looking to buy a stim machine. If you follow these steps you’ll definitely make a wise decision. At Utopia Gear, we feel feel that our Reviews speak for themselves and we also feel that we have the best TENS unit on the market today. If you have any questions about our products, please reach out to us at 888-237-4997 or email us at customerservice@utopiagear.com. We are always available to help you make a decision that you will most certainly be happy with for years to come. 

There is an expression going around about sitting down all day for your job that is causing alarm. Some are saying that sitting is just as bad as smoking for your health. There was actually a study that showed that a sedentary lifestyle is causing more health problems than many common diseases. Dr. James Levine pioneered this cause as the Director of Obesity Solutions for a branch of the Mayo Clinic. He mainly says that sitting for long periods of time can lead to the development of many illnesses, even more so than smoking. He even wrote a book on this subject called, “Get Up” and presented his findings at a wellness exhibition in 2012. People stood up to take notice of his way of thinking because it does make a lot of sense. Of course one of the less serious side effects of sitting, outside of possibly getting Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancers, is that sitting just causes lower back pain. Many people experience that dull lower back pain constantly. Or sometimes it can be a sharp pain in the lower back that is causing you difficulty. Here are some ways to help alleviate lower back pain if you have to sit for your job during extended periods of time.

Relieving Lower Back Pain

One of the best pieces of advice to follow when you have to sit for long periods of time is to take frequent breaks. Get up, move around, and do a few stretches to give your body a chance to shake off being sedentary. Do this every hour at least for ten minutes of movement. Set an alarm on your smartphone if you need to. Or if you have a fitness tracker that you wear, it will give you gentle reminders to get up and stop sitting for a while. This is absolutely the best kind of routine to get into if you are sitting all day long. Go outside if the weather is good where you are, or go up and down a set of stairs if you can. Any kind of movement that you can do is better than anything you are not doing.

Another way to help lower back hip pain is to commit to a weekly exercise routine. This is recommended at least three to four times per week for at least 30-45 minutes per session. Walking, swimming, and biking are all low impact aerobic workouts that are going to set your body up for less pain. If you throw in some light weight training under the guidance of a personal trainer, you can also increase your muscle strength, which will help you in the long run to prevent sudden lower back pain. Making your body strong will allow it to work better for you with less pain.

A Portable TENS Unit May Help Lower Back Pain

If you find that you are doing all the right things for your health and are still having lower back pain, you might want to try a portable TENS unit. This “Transcutaneous Electro Nerve Stimulation” as a treatment for back pain and sore muscles has been widely used for decades now but until recently, a prescription was needed for personal use. You can use the device in the comfort of your own home or even while you are working because it's very discreet. It runs on a lithium ion battery, so you don’t have to be hooked up to any outlet and can go about your day as you normally would. Ultimately the TENS unit will help combat sharp lower back pain and can help get you through the day more comfortably.

A TENS Machine From UtopiaGear.com

Utopia Gear is the premier provider of TENS machines that you can purchase for your own use. Our units are easy to use, provide relief to your sore muscles, especially in the back area, and are available in a couple different models. Allow us to help you find the right TENS stimulator for your own pain.  If you are looking for the best TENS unit that can be used in the comfort of your own home then you have come to the right place.  Contact us today so you can get started on the road to wellness with less back pain. Sitting down for your job might be a fact of your life, but constant pain doesn't have to be when you know how to help lower back pain.  

Why TENS Therapy Is The Pain Solution You Need

Many people in America today suffer from excruciating pain. This pain can be chronic, debilitating, and very frustrating to treat. Pain can derail a person’s life in many ways that make it hard to deal with simple daily tasks. It can easily get in the way of doing one’s job, or taking care of your family. Sometimes a pain management doctor can be sought out to help deal with back, neck, shoulder, and joint pain. Getting the relief you need takes time and effort. Pain is never a one-size-fits-all solution unfortunately. There are other ways to take care of pain within the body other than turning to heavy medications, surgery, or invasive injections.

Have you heard of TENS? 

Utopiagear.com offers these machines that provide a safe effective form of electrotherapy that can temporarily ease pain in your body from a variety of ailments. The Pro 3.0 TENS Unit offers amazing pain relief when utilized as a pain management tool. It isn’t as expensive as you might think either. It’s roughly the expense of what two to three massages might cost, but has zero or very limited side effects.

What Exactly Is TENS Therapy?

TENS itself means “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.” This type of treatment has been around for decades as a form of safe physical therapy. The machine runs on an ion lithium battery which provides a long-lasting drug free solution to take care of pain. You can use the device in the comfort of your own home. The way that it works is by stimulating the nerve endings where the electrode pads are placed. This happens through an electric impulse, which will ultimately scramble the signal to the brain and help eliminate pain temporarily.  

There are so many reasons why these can do wonders for your health and wellbeing. Aren’t you ready to significantly reduce the pain? Imagine being able to get back to your old life, and able to do all the activities you want by not being bogged down by aches and pains all the time.

Some Issues a TENS Unit Can Help

People with chronic joint pain are good candidates to try a nerve stimulator; again, it is not a cure but can help manage the pain better. Other conditions that can be helped by electrotherapy are shoulder pain, knee pain, leg pain, hip pain, elbow pain, and even unspecified back pain. When you have exhausted your medication options, but don’t want to go down a surgical path yet, getting relief for the symptoms of many painful conditions becomes your top priority.

Fast Relief

When you initially try out a TENS machine, like the Pro 3.0, you can obtain relief within ten minutes of using the unit. It’s just that simple to find pain relief that you can turn to using again and again. Making it part of your daily life to reduce painful symptoms is the goal. Many times you will experience relief or longer then 24 hours but results do vary. It will help any muscle or joint pain in a session that lasts only 20-30 minutes. You can even go about your day like normal because the unit itself is portable and discreet. No one will be aware that you are fighting your pain. Fast relief is quite possible with a stim machine by your side.

Check out our tens unit reviews and consider purchasing a machine from Utopia Gear to help manage your pain better. The reviews reflect our superior products with outstanding results as well as our exemplary customer service. And if you already have a TENS unit and want to experience a modern device with all the bells and whistles at an affordable price, you have come to the right place.  Email us at customerservice@utopiagear.com or call us toll free at 888-237-4997.

The knees are one of the most used joints in the body. They are used for all kinds of daily activities, including walking, running, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of your car. They are also responsible for carrying the weight of your body.

Unfortunately, as a result of excessive use, trauma, or injury, it’s not uncommon for pain to develop in the knees. When you experience knee pain, your life can be greatly impacted. Not only can it limit your mobility, but it can negatively impact your well-being.

Causes of Knee Pain

There are several reasons why knee pain can occur. Some of the most common causes include:

Tendon Ruptures. This happens when the quadriceps and the patellar tendons rupture either partially or completely.

Damage to the Meniscus. Injuries or trauma can cause a piece of the meniscus to tear off and float in the knee joint, causing significant pain.

Dislocation. A powerful blow to the knee can cause the lower leg to become completely displaced in relation to the upper leg. This can stretch and tear the ligaments, the arteries and the nerves. A dislocation is rare and is considered a limb-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Managing Knee Pain

In the most serious cases, surgery may be required to fix the damage to the knee and ease the pain that damage causes. For those who do not require surgical treatment, a TENS unit can be used to help manage pain in the knees.

What is a TENS Unit?

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit is used as a treatment strategy for pain. A TENS unit is a small, battery-operated, portable device that sends electrical signals to the sight of the pain and helps to control that pain.

How to Use a TENS Unit for Knee Pain

In order for a TENS unit to provide proper pain relief, it is imperative that the device is placed in the appropriate location. Determining exactly where the pain in the knee is located is crucial, as this is the location where the pads need to be placed.

You also need to determine how many pads you need to place on the localized area of knee pain. Two or four pads are most commonly used to treat pain. Two pads are typically used while four electrode pads will cover a wider area. The spot where you will place the pads of your portable TENS unit depends on where the source of your pain is located. Common locations for pad placement include:

The sides of the knee, the back of the knee, and the front of the knee:

Typically for the placement of the pads, you should avoid the kneecap. Generally, when using the TENS pads, you want to surround the kneecap by placing a pad on each side. If needed you can place four pads totally surrounding the knee.  Also, not on the above illustration, but occasionally people will suffer from pain in the back of the knee and placement on the back of the knee is acceptable too.  

Once in place, turn the device on to produce electronic muscle stimulation. With proper placement, this form of electrotherapy can greatly reduce the amount of pain that you experience in your knee and can provide some increased range of motion and flexibility.

Get Information about our TENS units for Knee Pain

There is a wealth of TENS unit reviews and testimonials that supports the pain relief that TENS therapy can provide.  If you already have a TENS machine and want to upgrade to the world's best tens unit with impeccable customer service, then feel free to  order here.  

Here at Utopia Gear, we can answer your questions about transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy for knee pain and our TENS and EMS devices. Email us at customerservice@utopiagear.com or call us at 888-237-4997.

See Also:

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• Using a TENS Unit for Neck Pain
• Using a TENS Unit for Shoulder Pain
• Using a TENS Unit for Back Pain
• 5 Things To Look For When Buying a Portable TENS Unit
• Home