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My husband has three ruptured discs in his neck. He has had them for 15+ years and suffers from continual pain. He has gone to doctors for years trying to get relief from the pain. They have prescribed medications but he refuses to take them because of their interaction with another medication he has to take for seizure control. This is all a result of an injury.

Several months ago someone suggested he try a TENS unit. He called his doctor and the insurance company and it was cleared for him to receive a fabulous little unit that has multiple computerized programs. He has used that unit since and is near pain free for the first time in all these years! TENS has been available for many years. My brother had one for arthritic pain. Yet no doctor ever mentioned it to my husband. They were suggesting surgery as the only option, and there was no promise that it would work.

Pain management has not been adequately addressed by the medical community. There are options that work, and not every option will work for each individual. Many people try to live with the pain of bad backs and headaches that are debilitating. I know people who have said they would almost rather die then go through another moment of pain. I have a lot of empathy for anyone who suffers pain. I hope you find relief.

I've been FReepmailing people about TENS. Don't know why I didn't say publically that it can really help, depending on where the pain is. Just don't place it where the current crosses your heart or your brain!

I think few docs really know much about TENS, because the companies that make the things aren't out there with aggressive marketing and kickback/bribes. I've seen receptionists with Viagra pens between their fingers plenty of times. I've never seen anybody holding a TENS pen or writing a note on a TENS stickynote pad.