Not a shock but a constant electrical tingling that makes the muscles contract and loosen up. There are a few different types of units.
There is Tens, EMS, Russian intiferential (and a few others I can`t think of right now). The difference being each one works ad a different depth in the muscle and/or on the nerves in the muscle.
I have terrible back pain whenever I drink too much regular coffee so I usually stick to half - caff or decaf unless I`m feeling tired or wiped out. I have a unit that cost me around $30 and it does constant pulse and can cycle and man, when I use it it feels good. Not sting-y or shock-ey but vibrate-ey

Sometimes I fall asleep with it on and the area will be a little numb after use but it definitely loosens up my lower back.
I just might have to try it on my chest