26 Dec Spinal Cord Stimulation Treatment
SCS or Spinal Cord Stimulation is a minimally invasive, chronic pain relief treatment option. It is usually provided when more conservative pain treatment options haven’t been able to relieve a person’s chronic pain.
SCS procedure requires an outpatient procedure in which a small device is inserted on to the spine. The earlier this treatment is started, the more effective it is.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation treatment, also referred to as neuromodulation, involves sending small electrical pulses to the spinal cord. This prevents the pain signals from traveling to the brain, instead a painless, tingling sensation (paresthesia) is created.
Spinal cord stimulation treatment requires a small implant, which can be self-regulating or patient-controlled, depending on the patient’s condition. Patients on SCS can control the level of stimulation or start and stop the spinal cord stimulation treatment using a remote control.
A great advantage of the SCS treatment is that the patient can take a trail treatment first. If that proves effective, long-term implantation can be done.
SCS is reversible too. If the patient wants, the device can be removed at any time.
Are there any side effects of spinal cord stimulation?
SCS treatment and implantation generally has very few and minor side effects that can be easily addressed, if experienced. Side effects may be related to the implanted device, for example, the device breaking or moving from its position. These can be corrected by your pain management doctor. In rare cases, after the procedure, minor infection, swelling and/or pain may occur at the site of the implant. Your pain doctor will explain the procedure and other things, in detail, to you before the implantation procedure itself.
What types of pain can spinal cord stimulation relieve?
Neuromodulation treatment, or SCS, is most commonly used to treat –
- chronic back pain
- chronic neck pain
- failed back surgery syndrome or FBSS
- complex regional pain syndrome or CRPS
- ischemic disease, and more
Spinal cord stimulation devices can also help patients who suffer from chronic pain in their lower extremities. While spinal cord stimulation does not cure chronic pain, but it has proven to be highly effective in relieving chronic pain and allows most patients to return to their normal activities and quality of life.
Your pain doctor will discuss your pain and other symptoms, examine you, review your medical history and then make an accurate diagnosis, before recommending a treatment option.
Talk to your pain doctor about newer and more improved models of the implant that relieve your pain, without the tingling feeling of paresthesia.