Spinal Cord Stimulation
Surgically implanted, this device delivers mild electrical pulses that outsmart your pain, interrupting the impulses that produce pain. Spinal cord stimulation, also called neurostimulation is a modern pain treatment option.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is used most often when other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief, including surgical and non-surgical pain treatments.
The first procedure is a test treatment using a discreet and disposable device. You will be able to experience first-hand if this therapy will work for you, and then it is removed. If you get relief, then the doctor will proceed to a more permanent solution for pain relief. Spinal cord stimulation can improve the overall quality of life, and sleep and reduce the need for prescription pain medications. It is typically used in tandem with other pain treatments to achieve the maximum desired outcome for the patient.
What Our Patients Use It For:
Spinal cord stimulation is used for Chronic Pain, Diabetic Neuropathy, Back Pain/Sciatic, and Nerve Pain. Spinal cord stimulation is a versatile treatment used for conditions such as back pain, nerve pain, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). One of the primary reasons for this therapy is failed back surgery syndrome. Each year, thousands of patients benefit from receiving spinal cord stimulator implants.
What is the procedure like?
Implanting the device involves making a small incision to insert an electrode under the skin. This electrode is connected to a stimulator that patients can control, turning it on or off as needed. The stimulator, also implanted under the skin, is linked to nerves or the spinal cord. The entire procedure is performed in an outpatient setting.
Although each patient is different, patients who see the most drastic results from spinal cord stimulation are those who have not experienced pain relief with medications, less-invasive therapies, or prior surgeries
Are you a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
To determine if you are a candidate for spinal cord stimulation for your chronic pain relief, your pain specialist will conduct a full examination and discuss your options.
Although each patient is different, patients who see the most drastic results from spinal cord stimulation are those who have not experienced pain relief with medications, less-invasive therapies, or prior surgeries
Is spinal cord stimulation safe?
Like most other procedures, there are potential risks. Patients with certain conditions may be more prone to harmful effects from spinal cord stimulation. Some of these conditions include pregnancy, tumors, fractures, or spine implants.
However, Spinal Cord Stimulation is considered a less dangerous option for pain relief when compared to other surgical procedures. Strong medications, such as anesthesia, are not necessary for spinal cord stimulation and recovery times are significantly less.
However, Spinal Cord Stimulation is not suited for everyone.
When should I consider a spinal cord stimulations?
People who have persisting pain even after surgery or have complex regional pain syndrome have found pain relief from spinal cord stimulation. People listed above and those who suffer from extreme nerve pain have reported at least a 50% reduction in pain and improved function as a result of SCS.
However, Spinal Cord Stimulation is not suited for everyone.
