Expert: Dr. Bruce Forciea - 10/19/2009

Question
Doctor, I had double jaw surgery 14 months ago.  I am currently unemployed.  The surgery left me with some pain, a lot of numbness in my chin and lower lip.  I have a TENS Unit.  Would it help to regenerate the nerve?  How would I set the controls?  I think one has to be set for 70 Hz.  I assume that one set of pads would go on one side of my jaw, and one set for the other side.  Can you tell me how to do this?  Please help.  Desperate and depressed.  Thanks.

Answer
HI Sherry:

I'm sorry to hear about your jaw situation. TENS units are usually used for pain control and do not help the nerve to regenerate. Nerves can regenerate on their own over long periods of time. As far as the TENS unit settings go I have used these in practice and what should be done is the practitioner who prescribed the unit needs to work with you to find the appropriate setting. The settings and pad placement will vary from person to person.

I wish you the best in your healing,

Bruce