Drive Medical Design AGF-602 manual Introduction, Explanation of Pain, Explanation of Tens

Chapter 1 : INTRODUCTION

EXPLANATION OF PAIN

Pain is a warning system and the body’s method of telling us that something is wrong. Pain is important; without it abnormal conditions may go undetected, causing damage or injury to vital parts of our bodies.

Even though pain is a necessary warning signal of trauma or malfunction in the body, nature may have gone too far in its design. Aside from its value in diagnosis, long-lasting persistent pain serves no useful purpose. Pain does not begin until coded message travels to the brain where it is decoded, analyzed, and then re- acted to. The pain message travels from the injured area along the small nerves leading to the spinal cord. Here the message is switched to different nerves that travel up the spinal cord to the brain. The pain message is then interpreted, re- ferred back and the pain is felt.

EXPLANATION OF TENS

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a non-invasive, drug-free method of controlling pain. TENS uses tiny electrical impulses sent through the skin to nerves to modify your pain perception. TENS does not cure any physiological problem; it only helps control the pain. TENS does not work for everyone; however, in most patients it is effective in reducing or eliminating the pain, allowing for a return to normal activity.

HOW TENS WORKS

There is nothing “magic” about Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). TENS is intended to be used to relieve pain. The TENS unit sends comfortable impulses through the skin that stimulate the nerve (or nerves) in the treatment area. In many cases, this stimulation will greatly reduce or eliminate the pain sensation the patient feels. Pain relief varies by individual patient, mode se-

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lected for therapy, and the type of pain. In many patients, the reduction or elimination of pain lasts longer than the actual period of stimulation (sometimes as much as three to four times longer). In others, pain is only modified while stimulation actually occurs. You may discuss this with your physician or therapist.

Chapter 2: CAUTIONS

1.Precautions:

Isolated cases of skin irritation may occur at the site of electrode placement following long-term application. Effectiveness is highly dependent upon patient selection by a person qualified in the management of pain patients.

2.Contradictions:

TENS devices can affect the operation of demand type cardiac pacemakers. TENS is not recommended for patients with known heart disease without physi- cal evaluation of risk. Do not use TENS on the carotid sinus (neck) region. Do no apply TENS for undiagnosed pain syndromes until etiology is established. Do not stimulate on the site that may cause current to flow transcerebrally - (through the head).

3.Adverse Reactions

Possible allergic to gel, skin irritation and electrode burn are potential adverse reactions.

4.Read operation manual before use of TENS.

5.We emphasize that patient with an implanted electronic device (for example, a pacemaker) should not undergo TENS treatment without first consulting a doctor. The same applies to patients with any metallic implants.

6.If TENS therapy becomes ineffective or unpleasant, stimulation should be dis continued until its use is reevaluated by the physician or therapist.

7.Avoid adjusting controls while operating machinery or vehicles.

8.Turn the T.E.N.S. off before applying or removing electrodes.

9.T.E.N.S. devices have no AP/APG protection.

Do not use it in the presence of explosive atmosphere and flammable mixture.

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