Upper backpain although not as common as lower
back pain, can be just as debilitating. It is characterised by pains or aches
situated from anywhere between the middle of the back to the base of the neck.
It can often be caused by poor muscle tone, muscle tension or spasm, sprains,
ligament or muscle tear and joint problems. The pain can be made even worse by
bending, sitting badly, turning in bed and even coughing or sneezing.
Upper back pain is often described in three categories.
Acute when it has lasted less than 6 weeks,
Sub-acute if it has lasted between 6 - 12 weeks and
Chronic if it has lasted longer than 12 weeks.
Upper Back Pain: Does TENS work?
Naturally prevention is better than a cure. One should attempt to improve posture,
keep fit and avoid carrying heavy loads. Treatments often include drugs, osteopathy,
etc. However, TENS provides a useful pain killing alternative.
TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a non-invasive,
drug-free method of pain relief. It is ideal for the treatment of upper
back pain. 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.