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Chiropractors/SAFETY OF TENS UNIT ON THE CHEST

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 1/17/2008


Question
I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CHEST PAINS (NOT HEART RELATED!!  PULLED MUSCLE) AND HE HAS BEEN USING HIS TENS UNIT ACROSS THE CHEST WALL.  I HAD READ ONLINE THAT THIS WAS UNSAFE AS IT COULD STOP THE HEART, AND ALSO FROM MANY OTHERS, THAT THEY DO IT WITH NO ILL EFFECTS AND ARE INSTRUCATED TO DO SO.  COULD I HAVE YOUR OPINION ON THIS?  IS IT SAFE, AND IF SO, IS THERE A PROPER AND IMPROPER WAY HE SHOULD BE DOING THIS?  THANK YOU!!

Answer
Dear Krystie,

I was taught in school that utilization of a TENS unit superficially across the front of the chest wall is okay due to the fact that the current doesn't penetrate deep enough to effect cardiac activity.  However, this is only to be used for a superficial muscle pull or strain sprain type of injury only, and realize no medical device is without potential side effects or complications.

Having said that, I need to stress that if there is any indication of a heart abnormality at all, that the device should NOT be used over the chest cavity.  Even a heart murmur would disqualify usage of the TENS on the anterior or posterior chest wall.  Pacemaker, arrhythmia, valve problem, etc...no TENS.

Now, pad placement is key as well...the pads should NOT be placed from to back so that current goes through the chest, and they should NOT be placed on the front and the side of the chest either.  This could lead to electrical current flowing deep through the tissue rather than superficially, and this could end in disruptive electrical currents to the heart.  You should also NOT use TENS on the front of the neck.

I can tell you this, be careful with the device...they can actually generate enough current to cause electrocution.  Read the directions of the unit...often they have different strengths from one to the next concerning intensity levels, frequency, rate, amplitude etc...  Make sure that you have read what the manufacturer says about the product.  If it says do not use on the anterior chest wall, then don't do it.

Hope this helps Krystie.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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