How is a dorsal-column stimulator different from a TENS unit?

A dorsal-column stimulator is fundamentally different from a TENS unit in that the electrodes of a dorsal-column stimulator are surgically implanted into the patient's body. This surgical placement allows for direct stimulation of the spinal cord, which can effectively manage chronic pain by altering the way the nervous system processes pain signals.

On the other hand, TENS units are designed to be portable and are always external devices. They deliver low-voltage electrical currents through electrodes placed on the skin. The lack of surgical intervention allows patients to use TENS units at their convenience, which emphasizes the non-invasive nature of this pain management option.

The surgical implantation of a dorsal-column stimulator also correlates with a longer recovery time compared to the immediate usability of TENS units, but the defining characteristic remains the method of placement and operation of the devices. TENS units, not requiring any surgical placement, can be used by patients without the need for recovering from an operation, highlighting a significant distinction between these two modalities in pain management.