What role does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) play in pain management?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive method used in pain management that delivers electrical impulses through the skin to stimulate sensory nerves. This stimulation can alter the way the brain perceives pain, effectively reducing the sensation of pain for the individual. It is thought to work via a few mechanisms: the gates of pain perception can be closed, reducing the overall signal of pain to the brain, and the stimulation may encourage the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers.

The choice that describes this process accurately highlights the fundamental action of TENS devices, emphasizing their role in modulating the pain response through electrical stimulation. This makes it a valuable tool in various settings, whether for chronic pain, postoperative pain, or other types of discomfort.

Other options suggest either medication administration or surgical intervention, which do not align with the non-invasive nature of TENS. Psychological therapy also does not encapsulate TENS's physical mode of action, which is centered around neuropathic stimulation rather than psychological approaches to pain relief.