Have had minor back problems on and off for years and it is acting up again, bad timing for me as our state tourny starts on tuesday and will be on my feet for a few days. Had a friend give me a tens/tenz sp.? unit to try this morning and it feels great but i was wondering if anyone has used this for extended periods of time playing pool with one on? if so what are the pros/cons of using during a match?
???? for players with back problems
- Thread starter vrob
- Start date
What's a a tens/tenz sp.?
RJ
RJ
it is a small unit alittle larger than a ipod with adhesive pads that u can place on problem areas to get small electrical shocks to your muscles, powered by a small battery it is pretty amazing, it is adjustable for intensity and type of operation, pulse,slow, fast,etc. Have seen them called tenz units but this one is spelled tens. I think you have to have them prescribed by a docter not sure, My friend works at the factory where the build them and has 2 or 3, he has back problems also and wears his alot but does not play pool. Maybe someone with some medical experiance could help me out here.
I wouldn't use it while shooting.
Between matches, you'll generally have a decent sized break.
Either go off to the side or back to your room & hook it up for 15-30 minutes & let it do its work.
You're more likely to do damage to your back than help it if you're using a Tenz unit while you're bending & twisting. It'll also feel like a muscle spasm while you're trying to concentrate. Probably not the best thing for helping you win a game.
Between matches, you'll generally have a decent sized break.
Either go off to the side or back to your room & hook it up for 15-30 minutes & let it do its work.
You're more likely to do damage to your back than help it if you're using a Tenz unit while you're bending & twisting. It'll also feel like a muscle spasm while you're trying to concentrate. Probably not the best thing for helping you win a game.
Back pain
I had back surgery in 1988. It helped for a few years but in 93 it started hurting again. From that point on I have played using a Gold's Gym weight lifting belt. It helped until a couple of years ago. Today I can only play a few minutes, wearing the belt, before the pain gets too bad. Try it. It might help you.
I had back surgery in 1988. It helped for a few years but in 93 it started hurting again. From that point on I have played using a Gold's Gym weight lifting belt. It helped until a couple of years ago. Today I can only play a few minutes, wearing the belt, before the pain gets too bad. Try it. It might help you.
It really depends on if your problem is muscular or structural (ie bones/jones).
The tenz machines general have far better results with muscular problems, if its a structural problem then supporting your with something like a weight lifting belt could help alot more.
What may also be worth a try are the deposable therma wraps, its alittle like a bandage but it heats up and can provide up to 8 hours of heat. Clearly the plus side to these is they can be worn under your cloths while playing.
Let me know what you try and how it works for you.
The tenz machines general have far better results with muscular problems, if its a structural problem then supporting your with something like a weight lifting belt could help alot more.
What may also be worth a try are the deposable therma wraps, its alittle like a bandage but it heats up and can provide up to 8 hours of heat. Clearly the plus side to these is they can be worn under your cloths while playing.
Let me know what you try and how it works for you.
test it
Don't set it high enough to cause muscle spasms and the gentle tingle can help pain and help to keep muscles from knotting.
The eight hour heating wraps actually last longer than eight hours and are worth trying too.
Hu
Don't set it high enough to cause muscle spasms and the gentle tingle can help pain and help to keep muscles from knotting.
The eight hour heating wraps actually last longer than eight hours and are worth trying too.
Hu
vrob said:
Secaucus Fats
Banned
vrob said:
Use the tens unit for 30 mins and then apply BioFreeze to the affected area just prior to match time. You should be able to purchase BioFreeze at a chiropractor's office or large drug store.
Here is a link to BioFreeze (I use it and it works as advertised):
http://www.biofreeze.com/
If you feel you need extra back support you can try the Homemedics Thera-P
back support belt with magnets. It's lightweight, fully adjustable, can accomodate a hot or cold pack, is comfortable, and provides plenty of support. :
http://www.everythinghomedics.com/p...l-.html?esid=a216139180d5894b5583bba65271cb9e
Hope this helps.
back
my problem is a muscle problem and the tenz seems to help, i know this may sound strange or stupid but this is the first time i have ever had one on and have spent about the last hour on my home table and not only does my back feel good it seems that it may help my game alittle, let me explain; one of the problems i have is i get pumped up or worked up and i tend to rush some shots and dont take my time on the shot or even the thinking process at times(i know, i know spf,spf as Randy G., has drilled into my game) but i have this thing set at a low setting in the pulse mode and it really seems to help with my rythm and cadence.Could be going out on a limb but have about 3 days to try it before play begins, and if worst comes to worst i have a good excuse if i go 2 and out- MY BACK WAS REALLY HURTING AND I JUST COULDNT GET ANYTHING GOING WITH THE PAIN AND THIS IS ALOT DIFFERENT THAN THE MANY TIMES I HAVE GONE 2 AND OUT PAINFREE ha! ha!
my problem is a muscle problem and the tenz seems to help, i know this may sound strange or stupid but this is the first time i have ever had one on and have spent about the last hour on my home table and not only does my back feel good it seems that it may help my game alittle, let me explain; one of the problems i have is i get pumped up or worked up and i tend to rush some shots and dont take my time on the shot or even the thinking process at times(i know, i know spf,spf as Randy G., has drilled into my game) but i have this thing set at a low setting in the pulse mode and it really seems to help with my rythm and cadence.Could be going out on a limb but have about 3 days to try it before play begins, and if worst comes to worst i have a good excuse if i go 2 and out- MY BACK WAS REALLY HURTING AND I JUST COULDNT GET ANYTHING GOING WITH THE PAIN AND THIS IS ALOT DIFFERENT THAN THE MANY TIMES I HAVE GONE 2 AND OUT PAINFREE ha! ha!
I use a thing called Salonpas for my neck and sometimes my right forearm. It is kind of like a Tiger Balm patch. They last about 12 hours and work great for me. I usually carry a pack of them in my case along with 800 mg Ibuprofen for when the pains get really bad. I don't know if you can find them where you are but I can get them at Costco here so they are probably around. I hope this helps.
-Andy
http://www.salonpas-usa.com/
-Andy
http://www.salonpas-usa.com/
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If I am down over a ball, feeling no pain, there is always in the back of my mind, when is the jolt of pain coming? Is it going to happen just as I pull the trigger? People who have never had back pain can not understand the anticipation one has. Anyone who thinks this doesn't effect your game is nuts.
I recently had a waitress trip over me while I was shooting, and straighten herself up by pushing up off my lower back it bothers me more in bed than anything feels like a knot in my lower back. The waitress claims that I "bumped into her while I was taking a shot".
I use the Tens device occasionally and REALLY like it. I'll play an entire tournament using it and have Zero issues.
I prefer a few Vicoden XL's and a lot of beer.
Preferably the later of the 2 options....
I prefer a few Vicoden XL's and a lot of beer.
Preferably the later of the 2 options....