Yes I use a TENS machine, I find it very good, am still on alot of meds but for sitting and car journeys I would not be with out it. It has allowed me to go to the cinema to see films and to go on coach trips, I have regained some of my social life because of it. Also is very good to use when u have taken as much pain killers as is safe for the day. You can use TENS machine as much as you like as its drug free. The only down side I have found is that for walking ect you sweat and the pads don't stay on . the wires can get caught up on things and brake easily. Also I have given myself the occasional small shock from it when one wire has come out but these are not harmful.

I have a little unit that I can attach to my clothing et hide it underneath so others can't see it if I want to. Has cords that plug into with little patches that attach at the end of the cords et you place them wherever your pain is et then slowly adjust the unit to what level you can handle. Almost feels like half massage et half zap like going through your muscles. I do not think it is painful but didn't do much for me. Nice little message tho once in a while. Hope that helps somes?? God bless. Have good night et many gentle hugs.

NJ
I, too, had back procedure about 5 years ago. Excruciating and changed my life. I resigned from job I loved. There was no sitting going on for at least a year and maybe more. No driving or doing things where sitting was involved. So had tens in phys therapy and wasn't impressed but was curious about home units.

What I wanted to express was that my best friend was exercise. When I couldn't stand pain on couch anymore I finally got up and went for a walk. Only to mailbox at first. Decided to picture myself walking AWAY from the pain and if I walked far enough, I could leave it behind. Just a head game I played but one walk turned to 2 and so on per day. Took a lot of time but I got to a couple miles a day or more. Pain? Cut by at least half and back eventually healed entirely. Issues now are fibro stuff. Your doc is right I'm afraid. Our bodies WANT to heal but we have to meet them (our bodies) halfway. I resisted for a long time but got to point where I had nothing better to do but think about pain. Please don't think I'm preaching. I'm just telling my story and that it coincides with docs advice. walking was better than pain meds in the long run and I was off pain meds quite soon after waking started. Suggestion, if you decide to do it, headphones and music. Can take boredom out of it.

Good luck and hope you feel better!

I had surgery back in 2000 on my lumbar disc and had pain months after surgery. I got a Tens Unit and it supposedly distracts the pain signal but for me it really didn't help. They say exercise is the best thing to strengthen the body...I know, I know, I don't do it either but they say it works. My pain doctor told me to get in the pool every day whether I like it or not...use it or lose it he said. Buoyancy alone helps. The Tens Unit is good to keep around though for those times when you're desperate and are trying everything. You never know what will help at that moment.

I also have a Tens machine and it to is portable, It was so much help when I had my frozen shoulder flare. I use it whenever I am dealing with excessive pain so I don't have to increase my meds. I don't like taking meds as a rule so the fewer the better I say and the Tens machine has allowed me this.