Gaurav Singh Gaurav Singh Asked 9 months ago

How to use tens machine for lower back pain?

My physio recommended a TENS machine for my chronic lower back pain. I just bought one, but it seems a bit complicated. Can someone guide me on how to use a TENS machine properly for lower back pain relief at home?

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6 answers

Rajeshwari Pillai Rajeshwari Pillai Joined Feb 2026 9 months ago
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A warm hot water bag or mustard oil massage usually relieves my back pain. If you use a TENS machine, keep the intensity low to avoid muscle spasms. However, if your back pain goes down to your legs or causes numbness, please go to a doctor immediately as it could be sciatica.

Vikram Rathore Vikram Rathore Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

A decent TENS machine costs around 1500 to 2500 rupees online, which is much cheaper than paying 500 rupees per session to a physiotherapist. I bought one for my lower back pain and it has saved me a lot of money. Just place the pads on either side of the pain, never directly on the spine.

Meera Nair Meera Nair Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

I get bad joint and back aches due to my thyroid fluctuations, and my physiotherapist guided me on how to use the TENS machine. I put the pads on my lower back for 15 minutes at a medium pulse setting. But do get your routine thyroid and vitamin tests done too, as deficiencies cause back pain.

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Amit Trivedi Amit Trivedi Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

You don't need to overcomplicate it. Just lie down on your stomach, ask a family member to stick the pads on your lower back muscles, and run it for 20 minutes on 'continuous' mode while watching TV. It's a simple, hassle-free way to get relief at home after a long workday.

Siddharth Roy Siddharth Roy Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

I totally get it, lower back pain makes even sitting at a desk feel like torture. When using the TENS machine, place two pads above the pain zone and two below, then slowly turn up the dial until you feel a comfortable pulse. It really helps block the pain signals so you can get through the day.

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Tanvi Gupta Tanvi Gupta Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

I was so scared of getting an electric shock from the TENS machine, so I kept the settings at the absolute minimum when I first tried it. It just feels like a gentle tingling sensation, nothing to worry about! Just make sure the machine is switched off before you peel the pads off.

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