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Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation, a longstanding method, has greatly advanced in managing Chronic Pain. This innovative therapy employs electrical signals to alleviate discomfort. A compact device, known as a stimulator, is implanted beneath the skin, with leads positioned in the epidural space along the spine. These leads transmit electrical impulses to the spinal cord, disrupting the pain signals traveling from nerves to the brain. This intervention can alleviate or render pain more manageable.
Did You Know?
According to a report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) chronic pain affects more Americans than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined. In fact, it is estimated that more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation can be used to treat a wide variety of chronic pain conditions. This includes conditions like:
- Back pain
- Leg pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Amputation pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Persistent pain after back surgery
- Diabetic neuropathy
In addition, spinal cord stimulation has been shown to be effective in treating pain that has not responded to other treatments. Patients who are considering SCS should be evaluated by a pain management specialist at Relevium: Pain, Vein, & Wellness to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.
What can I expect when undergoing spinal cord stimulation?
Before having a spinal cord stimulator placed, you will undergo a trial period. This is done to ensure that SCS is an effective treatment for your pain. A small wire will be placed near your spine and connected to a generator. The generator will be worn outside of the body and can be used to adjust the strength and frequency of the electrical impulses. The trial period is about a week. If you experience a 70% or more reduction in pain, then the procedure is considered a success and the permanent device can be placed.
The placement of a spinal cord stimulator is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. This means that patients can usually go home the same day as the procedure. During the procedure, a small device is placed under the skin through a small incision near the spine. This means that there is no need for open surgery, which can be a big benefit for many people. The stimulator is then connected to wires that are threaded through the body to the spinal cord. If the stimulator is not providing enough relief, it can be adjusted or turned off.
What can I expect after having a spinal cord stimulator placed?
After you have a spinal cord stimulator placed, you will wake up in a recovery room where you will remain until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. You can expect to be discharged within 1-2 hours of the surgery. Your doctor will provide you with postoperative instructions to follow, but you can expect to abstain from strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks. You will also likely have stitches that will need to be removed around 3 days after surgery. In most cases, you can expect your incision to heal within 2-4 weeks following surgery.
Looking for Pain Relief?
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