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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> TENS
        
(Message started by: Lobster on Feb 27^th, 2007, 4:10pm)

Title: TENS
Post by Lobster on Feb 27^th, 2007, 4:10pm

Anyone ever use a TENS unit / muscle stimulator on your skull during an attack?

When I busted my back up last year, I pretty much fell in love with the muscle stimulator they hooked me up to after surgery in physical therapy.

We went ahead and bought our own mini unit for about $50 and were surprised to learn that it does exactly as well as the big unit I used at PT. Now the whole family loves this thing, as well as anyone who visits. We have picked up at least a half-dozen more on behalf of others since.

So, I was thinking... I wonder what this thing would do to my skull during a CH?
Since I am not in cycle, and am doing a pretty good job at staying that way, I have no way to evaluate it.
I am not sure how I would get both pads to make contact without shaving my head... but I am not far from that now.

We found some even less expensive models here...
http://www.pacificgeek.com/searchresults.asp?search=massager&=Search%21+

I picked up one of each to try them out. They are not as good as the $50 model, but they certainly do work.

Anyone want to try it?
Anyone bald over their CH spot?
Let me know... I will order a unit on behalf of one or two of you. Even if it ends up not working, you will still have a kick ass little muscle stimulator on me.

Title: Re: TENS
Post by JeffB on Feb 27^th, 2007, 4:26pm

Oooh, those things do kick butt! Had PT for a few months after going down with my bike. My back was as tight as an Olsen twins........er...you know what I mean.
Turned my back into jelly for a day or two after just a few minutes of using it.

Title: Re: TENS
Post by Lobster on Feb 27^th, 2007, 4:32pm

on 02/27/07 at 16:26:34, JeffB wrote:

...Olsen twins....

bwaaaaaa... thx... now I have iced tea all over my keyboard...

[smiley=crackup.gif] [smiley=crackup.gif] [smiley=crackup.gif]
[smiley=crackup.gif] [smiley=crackup.gif] [smiley=crackup.gif]
[smiley=crackup.gif] [smiley=crackup.gif] [smiley=crackup.gif]

Well anyway, yeah... those things rule. Not sure what to expect with the pads on the skull during a CH, but they do shoot out voltage, thus may interrupt something that is happening in the nerves. I dunno. I have tried stupider things.

Title: Re: TENS
Post by Barry_T_Coles on Feb 27^th, 2007, 4:57pm

Yes I use a TENS machine for reducing the ganglion lump with reasonable effect but only when I’m on a low level, there’s no way I could keep still enough anything above a KIP 8 to keep the pads in place.

It certainly won’t stop the CH but it appears to reduce the duration by relaxing the lump and the area around it.

Make sure you use plenty of the gel on the pads so that you get the full benefit, if you don’t you can give yourself burns.

I wouldn’t recommend using it anywhere else on your head as they really are only designed for muscle relaxing and stimulation & to increase circulation in damaged tissue.

Cheers
Barry

Title: Re: TENS
Post by thebbz on Mar 1^st, 2007, 9:32pm

For what its worth section. I asked my GP about one for my neck, his opinion was that it was probable it would be a trigger. I dont know, that stopped any further quest on my part to try it. I still wonder about it.
jb
aint you a little old for the olsen twins there Jeff? [smiley=laugh.gif]