Treating Pain with Electrical Muscle Stimulation in oak ridge tn

After evaluating your health status, your chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan to restore you to wellness. One effective treatment option is electrical stimulation in Oak Ridge TN. Electrical muscle stimulation, also referred to as EMS, is a non-invasive, drug-free method of blocking the pain signals transmitted by nerves. Along with a chiropractic adjustment and other advanced chiropractic techniques, electrical stimulation can help restore physical function.

How Pain Signals Are Transmitted

The peripheral nerves connect the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Some of these nerve fibers have nociceptors, which are sensitive to actual or possible tissue damage. When a nociceptor detects a painful stimulus, such as stubbing a toe, it transmits electrical impulses along the peripheral nerve to the central nervous system, or CNS. In the spinal cord, the nerve fibers release neurotransmitters that act on nerve cells. This allows the pain signal to be sent to the thalamus in the brain. The thalamus functions like a switchboard operator to alert different areas of the brain that pain is present.

How EMS Blocks Pain Signals in Oak Ridge TN

One idea of how EMS provides pain relief is based on the gate control theory. This theory suggests that there are spinal nerve gates located between the peripheral nerves and the CNS. To travel to the brain, pain signals must pass through these gates. It has been proposed that electrical stimulation works by blocking the gates and preventing the transmission of pain signals. Another way EMS may provide pain relief is by triggering the release of endorphins and enkephalins, which naturally dampen the perception of pain.

Which Conditions EMS Can Treat

A chiropractor may use EMS to treat a broad range of painful conditions, including injuries caused by auto accidents. One example is whiplash, which refers to pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion of the neck. Other conditions that may benefit from EMS include bursitis, arthritis, and tenosynovitis.

What You Can Expect

At the chiropractor's office, you'll sit or lie comfortably. The chiropractor will place the electrodes on your body and turn on the EMS machine. The machine transmits electrical currents through the electrodes. You'll feel a pleasant tingling sensation similar to a massage.