Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for
which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the the fibrous tissues
in the body i.e. the muscles, ligaments and tendons. The main symptom of fibromyalgia
is severe muscle pain but it can also be accompanied by: fatigue, chest pain,
headaches, fever, abdominal
pain, insomnia, swollen lymph nodes, irritable bowel syndrome and depression.
Fibromyalgia: Does TENS work?
In addition to pain relieving drugs, there are a number of suggested treatments
for fibromyalgia. Low intensity exercise is seen as very useful. Stress reduction
techniques and acupuncture
have also been known to help as have vitamins and dietary supplements. An excellent
drug free alternative is TENS.
TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a non-invasive,
drug-free method of pain relief. Pads are placed on or near the area of pain.
TENS uses soothing pulses that are sent via the pads through the skin and along
the nerve fibres. The pulses suppress pain signals to the brain. TENS also encourages
the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals called
Endorphins and Encephalins