# When using a TENS unit for nerve damage, do you use it on the spine or where symptoms are occurring

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-using-a-tens-unit-for-nerve-damage-do-you-use-it-on-the-spine-or-where-symptoms-are-occurring/815760>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 9, 2018, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-using-a-tens-unit-for-nerve-damage-do-you-use-it-on-the-spine-or-where-symptoms-are-occurring/815760 "2018-06-09T15:19:51Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\
**Post date:** [June 9, 2018, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-using-a-tens-unit-for-nerve-damage-do-you-use-it-on-the-spine-or-where-symptoms-are-occurring/815760/1 "2018-06-09T15:19:51Z")

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Lets say you have nerve damage in your spine, but it is causing symptoms in your hands or feet. If you use a TENS unit, do you apply the pads to your hands or feet, or do you apply them to your spine where the nerves in your hands and feet are based?

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**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\
**Post date:** [June 9, 2018, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-using-a-tens-unit-for-nerve-damage-do-you-use-it-on-the-spine-or-where-symptoms-are-occurring/815760/2 "2018-06-09T16:05:21Z")

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Here is a chart:

> **[Electrode Placement](https://tensunits.com/pages/electrode-placement)**
>
> TENS Electrode Placement Chart Use this TENS unit placement chart as a handy reference to guide you when placing your TENS or EMS electrodes on your body during pain relief treatments. If you consult with a medical professional about using your TENS...

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**Author:** ![simple\_homer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@simple\_homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simple_homer)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2018, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-using-a-tens-unit-for-nerve-damage-do-you-use-it-on-the-spine-or-where-symptoms-are-occurring/815760/3 "2018-06-14T01:59:59Z")

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> [@PastTense](#):
>
> Here is a chart:  
> [TENS Unit – Buy TENS Units for Pain Relief | Tensunits.com](https://www.tensunits.com/CHART.html)

Thanks !