TENS is described as being used for which type of pain?

• A. Acute/postoperative pain
• B. Osteoporosis pain
• C. Infectious pain
• D. Cancer pain

Answer: (A)

TENS provides rapid, short-term relief of acute pain by stimulating large-diameter sensory fibers, which, through the gate control mechanism, dampen the transmission of pain signals at the spinal cord. It can also promote release of endogenous opioids, adding to analgesia. This combination makes it especially useful in the immediate postoperative period or after acute injuries, where quick, nonpharmacological pain relief is valuable and can help reduce opioid needs. It is less effective as a primary treatment for chronic or deep-seated pains, such as cancer pain or pain from osteoporosis, and infectious pain typically requires addressing the underlying process. So, TENS is best described as being used for acute postoperative pain.