Spinal Cord Stimulation

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a safe, effective therapy that’s been in use for over 40 years, providing relief for people with chronic pain. SCS is an implantable neurostimulation technology, meaning an implanted device sends out electrical impulses to the nerves in your spinal cord. These signals replace the pain you normally feel with a tingling sensation that many patients find soothing.

The implant is fully adjustable, so your doctor can target specific parts of your body and increase or decrease the stimulation to match the degree of pain you’re feeling. SCS is particularly helpful for people with:

• Chronic neuropathic pain in the back, body, or limbs.
• People who’ve undergone unsuccessful back surgeries
• Patients with CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome)
• Pain from a phantom limb

As well as a reduction in pain, there are additional benefits to spinal cord stimulation. You can try SCS before permanent implantation takes place, to ensure the therapy is going to help reduce your pain. Even after surgery, the device can be taken out or turned off if necessary.

SCS has FDA approval for treating chronic pain in the lower back and limbs and is also covered by most health insurance policies, unlike many alternative therapies.

Can I have spinal cord stimulation treatment straight away?

Spinal cord stimulation is one of a suite of treatment options for patients with chronic neuropathic pain. Before considering SCS, you and your doctor have the option of trying less invasive treatments, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Injectable treatments

SCS is an option for patients whose pain isn’t improving with other forms of treatment, but it’s important to be aware that results aren’t guaranteed. Everyone’s pain response differs, and what works for one patient may not be as effective for another.

What happens during the SCS implantation procedure?

After your trial to make sure spinal cord stimulation works for you, you undergo a surgical procedure to implant the stimulation device, known as a precision implantable pulse generator. Most patients can have this procedure under a local anesthetic with a mild sedative, but some patients may need a general anesthetic.

Your surgeon fits the device in the lower part of your back in a process similar to having an epidural injection. Once the implant is in place, you can carry on with your life, using a remote-control device to control the implant.

If you have chronic pain and are looking for effective treatments from expert physicians, call Chicagoland Pain Management today, or book an appointment online.