- With Mayo Clinic rheumatologist
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
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April Chang-Miller, M.D.
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
Dr. April Chang-Miller is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a consultant in the Division of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Dr. Chang-Miller's primary field is rheumatology with special interests in inflammatory joint diseases called seronegative spondyloarthropathies such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. She also cares for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
The New York City native is a graduate of the Yale University School of Medicine and had been with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., between 1991 and 2002 when she relocated to Mayo Clinic, Arizona. She is a fellow in the American College of Rheumatology and has been on the board of directors of the Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter.
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Question
TENS therapy: An option for fibromyalgia treatment?
Would a TENS unit help improve fibromyalgia pain?
Answer
from April Chang-Miller, M.D.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy sometimes used to treat localized or regional pain. During TENS therapy, electrodes deliver electrical impulses to nearby nerve pathways — which can help control or relieve some types of pain.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points — places on the body where slight pressure causes pain. Since the pain of fibromyalgia isn't limited to a specific area, TENS therapy isn't likely to be an effective fibromyalgia treatment.
Fibromyalgia is often treated with various medications to relieve pain and improve sleep. Options may include pain relievers, antidepressants and muscle relaxants. Self-care — such as reducing stress, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating healthy foods — is important as well. In some cases, mental health therapy also is recommended.
If you have fibromyalgia and your treatment plan isn't relieving your pain, consult your doctor. He or she may adjust your medications or offer additional treatment options.
- Thompson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 29, 2008.
- Goldenberg DL. Treatment of fibromyalgia in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 29, 2008.
