Spinal Cord Stimulators
Spinal cord stimulators are implantable devices that interrupt pain signals to provide long-term relief for chronic pain conditions.
Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) offer a remarkable and innovative approach to managing chronic pain, especially when other treatments have proven ineffective.
This advanced medical device, often referred to as a “pain pacemaker,” is designed to alleviate chronic pain by delivering low-level electrical impulses directly to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain, offering significant relief for conditions like failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathy, and more.
If you’re seeking a long-term solution for chronic pain control that doesn’t rely on medication or invasive surgery, spinal cord stimulation may be a viable option for you.
Spinal cord stimulators are typically administered in a multi-step process.
Firstly, a trial period is often conducted, during which temporary electrode leads are inserted into the epidural space near the spinal cord through a minimally invasive procedure. These leads are connected to an external stimulator, allowing you to evaluate the potential pain relief and determine if SCS is effective for your specific condition. If the trial period is successful and provides significant pain relief, a permanent SCS device may be implanted in a subsequent procedure. This implantation involves placing the permanent leads and a small battery-powered generator, typically in the upper buttock or abdomen. Once implanted, you can control the stimulation settings using a remote control, allowing for ongoing pain management tailored to your needs.
Following the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator, post-treatment care and recovery are essential to ensure optimal pain relief and device longevity.
Initially, you may experience some mild discomfort or swelling at the surgical site, but this typically subsides within a few days. It’s important to follow post-implant care instructions, including keeping the surgical site clean and dry. You’ll also be given guidance on how to operate and adjust the stimulation settings of the SCS to achieve the best pain relief.
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and fine-tune the settings if necessary. It’s essential to avoid activities that could potentially damage the device or lead wires, and our team will provide specific guidelines in this regard.
With proper care and management, spinal cord stimulators can offer long-term relief from chronic pain and significantly improve your quality of life.
Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) can be employed to treat various conditions that have not responded well to other treatments. These conditions affect pain areas including:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Extremity pain
- Chronic refractory pain
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