The use of analgesics alone often has a limited role in the relief of pain due to endometriosis. They may not be able to completely alleviate your pain and you should not use them continuously even if your pain is chronic and ongoing. You may therefore have to explore a range of options in order to manage your pain. To give you some insight as to the variety of treatments available, we have compiled a brief overview of some of those that people have found useful in helping them to manage their chronic pain.
Heat
You will probably have already discovered that heat brings some relief to menstrual pain. The faithful hot water bottle placed on the affected area can diminish your menstrual pain significantly. Other forms of heat relief include electric blankets or heating pads, a hot shower, bath, spa or sauna. The heat works directly on the nerves that transmit the pain and it also relaxes tense muscles.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, commonly known as TENS, is a treatment developed when it was observed that pain symptoms eased when electricity was applied to the skin at the site of pain.
A TENS unit is a small battery-operated machine (about 10 centimeters by 8 centimetres) that is usually clipped to a belt or placed in a pocket. Two small electrodes that are stuck on to the skin with paste at the site of the pain run from this battery. The small electrical impulses emitted from the battery are transmitted through the electrodes and stimulate the nerves which, in turn, control the pain symptoms. The intensity and rate of the impulses can be regulated by a dial located on the machine.
It is thought that TENS may work in two ways. Firstly, the electrical currents may stimulate the nerves to prevent the pain messages from the area reaching the brain. Secondly, it may increase the production of endorphins – pain-killing chemicals produced by the body.
During the treatment women have said that they experience a tingling or pulsating sensation under the electrodes.
There is no evidence that TENS is addictive and during the day it can be used continuously or intermittently.
It appears that the effect of the TENS may be such that after a time you will be able to decrease the amount of time that you need to use it.
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