“Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit” was the phrase I typed into my internet search at 2 in the morning. Why? Because I woke up with my lower back feeling like it was tied in knots. This was not the first time I had one of those restless nights. I run a small design studio, work out three days a week, and coach youth soccer on the weekends. It keeps me happy, but the pain was taking a real toll on my body.

I wanted control back. Since I cannot stand taking pills, I was looking for something simple that did not take a big chunk out of my schedule. The full name, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit, sounds overly complicated, but the device, commonly called a TENS unit, was exactly the easy-to-use solution I was looking for.

My Breakthrough First Session

My first session with the TENS unit was surprisingly easy. I had just finished dinner and was relaxing on the couch. I placed the pads so they were positioned around my pain point. I turned it on and brought the intensity up slowly. I felt a slight tingle at first, then it gradually got stronger. I settled on a setting that was strong enough to be effective but not unbearable.

Within minutes, the tension in my back started to fade. I felt good enough to walk to my desk and finish a draft I had been avoiding all week. That is when I knew I was onto something with this simple device.

Building a Consistent Routine

I wanted to keep the relief going, so I started to log my sessions. My unit came with diagrams on how to place the pads, but I created my own sketch book. I noted which programs helped after soccer drills versus long days at my desk sketching designs.

I soon came up with my own routines. I would get in a short session with the TENS unit before my workouts, which allowed me to make it through without compromising my form. Before game days, I would extend my sessions, allowing me to focus more on the game and less on my pain. A TENS unit is no magic pill, but it is certainly effective.

Relief On The Go: Ultimate Portability

The best thing about it is that I can use it anywhere. My compact unit allowed me to run a ten-minute session between meetings at a conference. I felt the difference when I had to present: my back was not throbbing, so I was able to concentrate on my presentation.

I bought a second set of pads for the office and home, so the TENS unit is always there when I need it. This makes it easier for me to stay consistent.

When friends ask me what the device is, I tell them that the name might sound complicated, but it is easy to use and really works.

The TENS unit is effective because:

It interrupts nerve signals that go to your brain.

This is what allows your muscles to relax.

It allows me to use it on specific body parts.

Unlike most pain medication that only helps with general pain, when my back tightens up after a long photo shoot, I put the pads on and just let the TENS unit do its thing. After that, I am able to relax.

Happily Ever After

I am still using my unit faithfully months later. I use the device before I do any strength training, preventing stiffness before it has a chance to build up. My shoulders tend to get heavy after long shoots, so I always make sure I have a session before and after. My TENS unit gives me a reliable way to take control of my body without taking a big chunk out of my time.