Electroanalgesia is a pain management technique that uses high-pulse electrical current to ease pain, boost blood circulation, improve mobility, and induce relaxation. When applied to the target areas that are causing pain, the electrical stimulation disrupts the pain signals traveling from your peripheral nerves (the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) to the brain. This process provides long-lasting relief from pain.
Additionally, electroanalgesia offers a range of other benefits. The electrical current stimulates the supply of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the area affected by pain, reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s ability to heal damaged tissues. Furthermore, electrical stimulation triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
Recent research has shown that electroanalgesia is effective in significantly reducing acute and chronic pain caused by various conditions. These include musculoskeletal disorders, nerve pain (neuropathy), inflammatory diseases like arthritis and tendinitis, post-operative pain, fibromyalgia, and degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis.
TENS and PENS Techniques
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and PENS (percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) are two methods of pain relief that utilize electrical stimulation.
In TENS therapy, low-pulse electrical current is carried through the skin via sticky pads known as electrodes, placed around the painful area. In PENS, the electrical current is delivered through needles inserted near the nerves serving the areas that are causing pain. Commonly, PENS therapies involve surgically implanting devices that generate low-pulse current behind the ear to interfere with the normal transmission of pain signals to the brain over prolonged periods.
Both pain management options may be effective in treating pain conditions such as neuropathy when delivered as part of a comprehensive electroanalgesia treatment. The FDA-cleared high-pulse electroanalgesia protocols offered at NextPain Care deliver up to 10,000 electrical pulses per second (versus the 250-400 pulses per second transmitted by traditional TENS units). This high-pulse electrical current allows therapeutic doses of current to reach deeper into the damaged tissue, providing substantial stimulation to the nerve endings in the painful areas. This feature makes electroanalgesia a highly effective treatment option for managing chronic and acute pain.
The Benefits of Electroanalgesia Treatment
Electroanalgesia is a non-pharmaceutical, non-addictive, and minimally invasive treatment option for managing pain, offering a range of benefits beyond pain relief:
- Enhanced Relaxation: The sensations caused by electrical stimulation are similar to those of massage therapy, relaxing tense muscles and loosening tight tissues.
- Reduced Pain: The electrical pulses prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. Additionally, through a process known as sustained depolarization, electrical stimulation can reset your perception of pain by triggering a shift of electrical charge in the neurons responsible for processing pain signals in the brain. This combination of actions reduces painful sensations, providing long-lasting relief.
- Improved Circulation: The electrical pulses stimulate blood circulation around the damaged area, promoting a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients, which supports the body’s ability to heal damaged tissues.
- Improved Mobility: Electroanalgesia can counteract the effects of musculoskeletal conditions that limit mobility by decreasing inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. It can also strengthen and rehabilitate muscles affected by atrophy due to disuse, prolonged immobilization, or injury.
- Reduced Stress: The electrical pulses offer an acupuncture-like experience, triggering the release of chemicals responsible for feelings of relaxation and well-being, such as endorphins.
Preparing for Electroanalgesia Treatment
Compared to medications and surgery, electroanalgesia is a lesser-known treatment option. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare for your first appointment and increase the treatment’s effectiveness. Here are some key steps:
- Consult with a Healthcare Provider: After reviewing your health status and medical history, a healthcare provider will determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment and answer any questions you may have.
- Understand the Procedure: Knowing what happens during an electroanalgesia session can help reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety, which can aggravate chronic pain.
- Follow Pre-Treatment Instructions: Your healthcare provider will give instructions such as not switching medications or avoiding activities that aggravate your pain. These actions can make the treatment more effective.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: You may need to uncover certain areas of the skin where the electrodes will be placed. Avoiding tight clothes makes this easier and allows you to remain comfortable throughout your appointment.
- Discuss Pain Management Goals: Be sure to discuss your expectations with your doctor before the appointment. This helps set realistic goals and tailor the treatment protocol to your needs.
- Arrive on Time: Arriving on time reduces stress and allows you to complete all preparations without feeling anxious.
What You’ll Experience During Electroanalgesia Treatment
What happens during an electroanalgesia session depends on the technique used to deliver the electrical pulses, the areas of the body concerned, and the results you are looking to achieve. Here’s what you need to know:
- Electrode Placement and Application: The treatment starts with the placement of electrodes, small suction cup-shaped sticky pads, strategically around the area causing pain. The electrodes are removed at the end of the session.
- Sensations During Treatment: Your healthcare provider will activate the electrical stimulation to deliver mild pulses of electricity. The intensity is gradually increased to create sensations closer to your pain threshold, which can feel intense but should never be painful. The massage-like sensation can relieve muscle tension and boost relaxation.
- Monitoring by a Healthcare Provider: Your provider will fine-tune the electrical pulses to obtain the desired results and monitor your progress and perception of pain during and after the treatment. They will also watch for any adverse reactions, such as skin irritation.
- Length of Treatment: A single treatment usually lasts up to an hour, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Although you may experience pain reduction after one session, NextPain Care recommends at least two hour-long sessions a week for 12 weeks for long-lasting relief.
Recovery and Follow-Up Care Post-Treatment
Electroanalgesia does not require long periods of recovery or downtime. However, some tips can help improve the effectiveness of the treatment and speed up your return to normal activities:
- Rest: Rest and avoid strenuous activities that may increase stress, pain, and inflammation. Choose mind-body activities like walking or stretching instead of high-impact sports.
- Follow Instructions from Healthcare Providers: Your provider will advise you to stay hydrated, follow a balanced diet, and avoid high levels of stress.
- Monitor for Side Effects: You may experience minor side effects, including fatigue or soreness at the electrode application sites. These side effects typically ease within hours, but contact your doctor if they persist.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Follow your customized electroanalgesia program and attend all scheduled sessions. Long-term outcomes depend on your commitment to the treatment protocol.
- Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider: If you have doubts or concerns, contact your provider. They can help you maximize pain reduction and take care of your health after each appointment.
Comprehensive Pain Management Plan
Electroanalgesia is an effective approach for managing chronic pain and easing symptoms. At NextPain Care, we integrate it into a comprehensive pain management plan designed to manage pain with minimal reliance on medications or surgery.
NextPain Care uses a 3-level system to provide a thorough approach to pain management. We start with minimally invasive treatments like electroanalgesia. Our team of specialists works closely with each patient to create personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and health goals. Beyond electroanalgesia, we offer a range of advanced therapies, including physical therapy, spinal cord stimulation, and regenerative treatments like Via Disc.
A Different Approach to Pain Relief
Our 3-level system ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatments available. We continuously monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed, incorporating the latest advancements in pain management. By offering a wide array of treatment options, NextPain Care is dedicated to helping patients achieve sustained pain relief and improved overall well-being.
