TENS machine for pain relief

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1

Hi there,

I bought a TENS machine to help with nerve, muscle and bone pain. I have stage 4 cancer with bone mets in my spine and hips; the mets in my spine are probably pressing on nerves as the pain radiates from my hip to my knee (I am awaiting results of an MRI to know more).

I received the machine today and a leaflet inside advises against use if you have cancer.

I went down a rabbit hole trying to find more information on whether or not it is fine to use.

Cancer Research has a page mentioning it without much warning ( Things you can do to reduce cancer pain | Coping physically | Cancer Research UK ). However, I also found websites suggesting the machine can’t be used at all if you have cancer, while other websites will suggest caution when using (eg not directly on a tumour or a lesion, not on certain body parts, not after radiotherapy etc, but otherwise fine).

The case against posits that the electric ‘shocks’ can stimulate cancer cells and encourage them to grow by allowing blood to flow more easily.

But there are also some websites suggesting that there’s a lack of evidence.

I am a little lost and don’t know whether to try cautiously or return the machine. What’s the consensus on TENS machines for pain relief (not including palliative care)?

Thank you,

Sarah

2

Hello @Spoutnik,

Thank you for posting.

It’s understandable that you are wondering whether a TENS machine is fine to use to help with the pain you are feeling relating to the metastatic (stage 4) cancer in your bones.

As there is no clear evidence to suggest that using a TENS machine is unsafe when you have a diagnosis of cancer, like Cancer Research UK, we also include information about the use of TENS in some situations in our managing joint pain information. However, we would always suggest that you speak to your treatment team about this as there may be a clinical reason why this may not be suitable for your current situation.

It sounds as though you feel that the pain causing you most discomfort is nerve related, and I wonder whether your team have suggested any of the medicines that are specifically helpful for nerve pain such as amitriptyline or gabapentin. It may be helpful to speak to your breast care nurse, GP or treatment team about other pain relief medication available, while you are waiting for your MRI results.

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