How does TENS therapy primarily provide pain relief?

TENS therapy, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, primarily provides pain relief by blocking pain signals at the spinal cord level. This technique involves the use of low-voltage electrical currents applied to the skin through electrodes, which stimulate the sensory nerves. The electrical impulses generated by the TENS unit activate larger nerve fibers, which can interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain, essentially competing with and overriding the pain stimuli.

In addition to blocking pain signals, TENS may also promote the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. This further aids in reducing the perception of pain. However, the primary mechanism remains the modulation of pain signal transmission at the spinal cord level, making it an effective non-invasive option for pain management.