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I've been reading the posts on "TENS" units and though I've never tried this treatment I would like to say that I find a certain level of relief for lower back pain and "sciatic" nerve pain by using a hand held vibrating massager. Sometimes I am in such discomfort from the muscle tightness and stiffness that all I want to do is lie in bed and try to sleep through it (which further perpetuates the pain & stiffness). I have found that if I use this time to use the massager for 20 or 30 minutes, the muscle soreness is greatly relieved. I've also found that when I'm really stiff and my back is tight and painful that by doing the stretching exercise program outlined in the American Parkinson Disease Assoc. handbook I can loosen those muscles up and function fairly "pain free" for a good part of the day. I think the massager works a bit like the TENS treatment in that it stimulates the nerves and releases endorphins which are natural painkillers. Also, it is wonderful on the bottom of the feet and helps to relieve some of the toe cramping. My son gave me the massager for Christmas and I keep it plugged in right next to my bed....he got it at Walmart and I think it cost around $50 or $60. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn