What type of pain might not respond to TENS therapy?

Neuropathic pain is characterized by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, leading to pain that is often described as burning, shooting, or tingling sensations. This type of pain arises from conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or phantom limb pain. The underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain involve changes in nerve function and communication, which can make it more resistant to traditional pain management therapies, including TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).

While TENS therapy can effectively relieve acute pain from injury, chronic pain, and inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain often requires more targeted interventions, such as medications specifically designed to alter nerve function, including anticonvulsants or antidepressants. Therefore, TENS may be less effective for this specific category of pain due to its distinct neurological origins and complexities.