Years ago I has severe back pain and to keep going in my nursing profession I used a Tens unit. A Tens unit is a "Trans-cutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation" type device. This sweet baby allows me to continue to work pain free or at least with minimal discomfort. The Tens unit helps to stimulate my body to produce higher levels of my own natural painkillers, called "Endorphin's".
A Tens unit is a small device that sends out small electrical charges to the affected area. It does not cure or eliminate the problem, but it does confuse the brain. It causes the electrical pulses to block the pain to the brain, thus eliminating the feeling of pain.
It is always a good idea to check with your physician before trying any treatment.
http://vitalityweb.com/backstore/tenssafety.htm
Hugs,
Kimmie