Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a cutting-edge treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic pain by altering the pain signal before it reaches the brain. This therapy involves the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator, an implanted device that uses low-level electrical impulses to modify the pain signal, thereby changing the perception of pain rather than eliminating its source. By doing so, SCS helps reduce the perception of pain and can significantly improve the quality of life for those with persistent pain conditions.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
Spinal cord stimulation therapy works by delivering electrical pulses to specific areas of the spinal cord, effectively masking pain signals before they reach the brain. These pulses can either mask the pain with a tingling sensation, known as paresthesia or eliminate the sensation, depending on the type of stimulator used.
Types of Spinal Cord Stimulators:
- Conventional Stimulation: Produces steady low-frequency pulses that create a tingling sensation over the area of pain.
- High-Frequency Stimulation: Delivers higher-frequency pulses (up to 10 kHz) to block pain without causing paresthesia, making it an ideal option for those who find tingling uncomfortable.
- Burst Stimulation: Mimics natural neuronal firing patterns, offering effective pain relief without perceptible sensations.
- Adaptive Stimulation: Adjusts the intensity of stimulation in real-time based on the patient’s position or activity, ensuring consistent pain relief.
Each type of spinal cord stimulator is designed to address different patient preferences and pain management needs, providing a tailored approach to chronic pain relief. Spinal cord stimulator implantation is a significant procedure that requires careful consideration and planning.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Candidates for Chronic Pain
Spinal cord stimulation treatments are generally recommended for people who have severe, chronic pain including chronic back pain, as they effectively treat chronic pain. Spinal cord stimulators are typically considered for patients who have not responded to conservative and pharmacological treatments. Spinal cord stimulation is also effective for patients suffering from chronic leg pain associated with conditions like sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy, especially when other treatments have failed. Physical therapy is often recommended as a preliminary step before considering more invasive procedures like spinal cord stimulation.
- SCIATICA
- NERVE DAMAGE
- DIABETIC NEUROPATHY
- STUMP & PHANTOM LIMB PAIN
- DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE (DDD)
- FAILED BACK SURGERY SYNDROME (FBSS)
- COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME (CRPS)
Candidates for spinal cord stimulation typically undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if this treatment is appropriate for their condition. Additionally, a trial period is conducted to ensure the therapy provides meaningful pain relief before a permanent device is implanted.
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Conditions Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation is a versatile treatment option for various chronic pain conditions. Some of the conditions treated with spinal cord stimulation include:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): This condition occurs when patients continue to experience persistent back and leg pain even after undergoing spinal surgery.
- Chronic Back Pain: For those suffering from persistent pain in the lower back that lasts for more than three months, spinal cord stimulation can offer significant pain relief and improve daily functioning.
- Leg Pain: Often caused by nerve damage or compression, chronic leg pain can be debilitating. Spinal cord stimulation can target these pain signals, providing much-needed relief.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Characterized by chronic pain, inflammation, and sensitivity in one limb, CRPS can be challenging to treat. Spinal cord stimulation can help manage these symptoms, improving the quality of life for sufferers.
- Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation: This type of spinal cord stimulation targets the cervical spine to treat chronic neck and arm pain, offering a specialized approach for upper body pain.
- Chronic Nerve Pain: Persistent pain caused by nerve damage or compression can be effectively managed with spinal cord stimulation, reducing the impact of chronic nerve pain on daily life.
By addressing these diverse conditions, spinal cord stimulation provides a tailored approach to chronic pain management, helping patients regain control over their lives.
The Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedure
The process of receiving a spinal cord stimulator involves two stages: a trial period and permanent implantation. Once the trial period is deemed successful, a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant is placed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Cervical spinal cord stimulation is particularly effective for treating chronic neck and upper extremity pain.
Trial Period
The trial period allows patients to test the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation before committing to permanent implantation. During this stage, temporary electrodes are placed in the epidural space, and an external stimulator is used to deliver electrical impulses. Patients typically wear the device for 5-7 days, evaluating its impact on their pain levels during normal activities.
If the trial results in a significant reduction in pain (usually defined as a 50% or greater improvement), the patient may proceed to the next stage.
Permanent Implantation
Once the trial period is deemed successful, a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant is placed during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The electrodes are carefully positioned and secured to prevent movement, while the controller is implanted under the skin. The procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia and involves minimal recovery time.
Patients receive detailed instructions on how to use and maintain the device, including turning it off during certain activities, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Additionally, patients are provided with an identification card to navigate airport security, as the device may trigger metal detectors.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation offers several benefits, making it a valuable option for chronic pain management:
- Effective Pain Relief: Spinal cord stimulation can provide significant pain relief for patients with chronic pain conditions, improving their overall quality of life.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is relatively minimally invasive, requiring only a small incision to implant the device, which means a shorter recovery time and less discomfort.
- Reversible: One of the key advantages of spinal cord stimulation is that it is reversible. If the device is not effective or if complications arise, it can be removed.
- Adjustable: The device can be adjusted to optimize pain relief, allowing patients to tailor the stimulation to their specific needs and activities
Living with a spinal cord stimulator requires some adjustments, but most patients can resume their normal activities within a few weeks of the procedure.
Why Work With PMIR?
Decades of experience in helping patients combat chronic pain have taught us that a multimodal approach is best and that individual reactions and experiences to different pain management options can vary greatly. Spinal cord stimulator implants can be a crucial part of this strategy. We value giving patients a wide range of options and narrowing our focus over multiple appointments through an in-depth, collaborative effort. You can rely on us to give you the full picture and explain your broad range of options for treatment and pain management.
