An Overview Of Spinal Cord Stimulation
A spinal stimulator is a neuromodulation device that is surgically implanted inside the body to send electric signals to the spinal cord. It is done in order to treat chronic pain conditions that did not respond to any conservative therapies or treatment plans. It is also known as the “pain pacemaker”.
What is spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is an effective alternative therapy providing adequate pain relief to the patients. The device that is implanted in the body covers the pain signals before they reach the brain. It helps the patients deal with severe pain symptoms without any side effects and pain medications.
What are the potential benefits of spinal cord stimulation?
- It is an effective alternative to oral pain medications and is perfect for those who have problems taking oral medicines.
- It is a cost-effective mode of treatment.
- It provides a long-term pain relief.
- A spinal stimulator has adjustable pain relief options to cope with chronic pains that can be accessed with the help of the hand controller available with the device.
- The therapy has minimal or no side effects.
- It is more effective than any other invasive surgery procedure, especially for repeated pains.
Who are the people who are eligible for spinal cord stimulation?
- Patients who would not improve from additional surgery.
- Patients who already had a successful spinal cord stimulation trial.
- Patients who have undergone failed conservative therapies.
- Patients who do not want to go through a big spine surgical process with more risks and larger recovery span.
- Patients who do not have any medical conditions to keep them from SCS or untreated drug addiction or depression before the spinal stimulator implantation.
What are the types of pain that are treated by spinal cord stimulation?
- Persistent and ongoing leg and arm pain.
- Sciatica pain.
- Spinal stenosis or arthritis.
- Pain caused by nerve damage.
- Refractory angina causing exhaustion, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Regional pain syndrome.
- Chronic neck and back pain.
- Arachnoiditis.
- Stump pain.
- Peripheral vascular disease.
- Spinal cord injury.
- Peripheral neuropathy.
So, if you are facing persistent chronic aches in your body, visit a doctor and schedule an appointment to undergo spinal stimulator implantations.