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Probably not totally diabetic related because I'm pretty sure the pain is related to spinal stenosis (have had the MRI previously) but I'm having a flare up of agonising sciatic pain down my leg and nothing much is easing it. Has anyone used a tens machine to good effect for this pain?
In the past I used a tens machine for sciatica and back pain for a long time, I did find it helped a lot. I think it would be wise for you to seek medical advise about a it first though. If you go ahead, imo the dual channel ones would be best as you can deal with two areas of pain at the same time or just one area of pain using two or four pads
I've not needed mine for a few years now, but I'm never getting rid of my tens just in case.
In the past I used a tens machine for sciatica and back pain for a long time, I did find it helped a lot. I think it would be wise for you to seek medical advise about a it first though. If you go ahead, imo the dual circuit ones would be best as you can deal with two areas of pain at the same time or just one area of pain using two or four pads
I've not needed mine for a few years now, but I'm never getting rid of my tens just in case.
Yes I did wonder about that Mark but I'll have a go. Not sure what's causing the pain to be so bad at the moment but it takes a lot to rattle a tough old bird like me! 😉
Yes Amigo, a TENS machine will fix it almost certainly. Get a dual channel machine and follow the instructions. Worked miracles for me. Shouldn't cost you more than £30. 🙂
For leg cramps, I once successfully used a small gadget from Poundland which was supposed to be a muscle toner, but is similar to a TENS machine (though far less sophisticated) and had the same effect! 🙂 However, I don't think those are sold anymore, and anyway a proper TENS machine would be better.
I wouldn't be without my TENS machine. I get a lot of pain from my hypermobile joints, well it's actually the muscles and tendons and the nerves which get some serious bashing. Mine is quad channel with massage action, it's absolutely the best thing I ever did because it really helps with the pain. It does take a wee bit of getting used to sensation wise, but I don't notice it much anymore. The one I have was about £90 but the first one I got was a loaner from the practice to see if it was useful (worth asking at yours just in case), then I had a lloyds pharmacy one that was about £25 that was great but the quad one covers a better area for me. Definitely worth a try 🙂
Thanks everyone, that's really useful information. So I've ordered a dual channel one from Amazon which should come tomorrow. It has excellent reviews so see how it goes.
@robert@fm, I have one of those vibrating plates for the cramp and whilst it helps, it's not impacting on the pain. I'm working on the principle that it's the result of spinal impingement etc. and not neuropathy (which I suspect would feel different).
Just hoping it helps because I'm reluctant to start on the tramadol route for the pain and the anti-
inflammatories are not great for my kidneys or my platelets apparently!
I suspect if I was a dog, I wouldn't make it home from the vets! 🙄
Yes, I can't take anti-inflammatories for kidney reasons. I have Tramadol, but though effective I don't like it one bit. I only take it at night, when I can't control my movements asleep and trigger the hip pain. I use the TENS machine during the day.
Yes, I can't take anti-inflammatories for kidney reasons. I have Tramadol, but though effective I don't like it one bit. I only take it at night, when I can't control my movements asleep and trigger the hip pain. I use the TENS machine during the day.
Well I'm wearing the TENS machine now for the first time (good old Amazon delivered very quickly). It's a curious sensation initially and a bit disconcerting but I'm tolerating it ok and convincing myself it's working. The pain this morning was horrendous so got to try anything and like you Mike, I don't care for strong painkillers during the day (or night really).
Well I'm wearing the TENS machine now for the first time (good old Amazon delivered very quickly). It's a curious sensation initially and a bit disconcerting but I'm tolerating it ok and convincing myself it's working. The pain this morning was horrendous so got to try anything and like you Mike, I don't care for strong painkillers during the day (or night really).
If it is having a marginal effect, it will work. It never works straight away, so just persist with it and you should get proper relief. As you say, anything is better than Tramadol.
If it is having a marginal effect, it will work. It never works straight away, so just persist with it and you should get proper relief. As you say, anything is better than Tramadol.
