Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an advanced pain management technology used to help individuals manage chronic pain that has not responded to traditional treatments. SCS works by delivering controlled electrical signals to the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Here are answers to some common frequently asked questions about SCS:
How Does Stimulation Work?
The concept of spinal cord stimulation is grounded in the theory that nerves can carry two signals simultaneously, with one signal capable of overriding the other. SCS leverages this concept to modulate how the brain perceives pain signals. With SCS, a neural message of pain on its way to the brain is overridden by a competing message. This competing message is a mild electric current delivered from a neurostimulator implanted in the patient’s spine. The device disrupts the pain signal, masking it before it reaches the brain.
Who Benefits From the Procedure?
Not every patient with back pain is a suitable candidate for this specific therapy. Physicians contemplate spinal cord stimulation primarily for patients who have not responded well to other conservative treatments or surgeries. Those who may find this therapy helpful include patients with the following clinical presentations:
- Patients diagnosed with failed back post-laminectomy syndrome after unsuccessful back surgeries.
- Individuals suffering from chronic numbness in the back or legs that has not resolved with medication or physical therapy.
- Patients experiencing persistent burning sensations or tingling in the extremities.
- Individuals who have undergone a trial run of the stimulation and experienced a pain improvement.
Patients whose pain is improved by at least half during the trial run are generally regarded as good candidates for a permanent device.
What Are the Risks?
The process of receiving a spinal cord stimulator involves two distinct phases: a trial phase and a permanent implantation phase. Here’s what a patient can expect regarding the safety protocols and procedural steps:
- The Trial Run: The device’s temporary lead is fluoroscopically positioned as it would be for a permanent implant, but it is connected to an external generator, usually worn on a belt.
- Activity Logging: For the next several days, the patient should engage in a variety of physical activities to assess how well the SCS works during pain-eliciting exertion.
- Permanent Implantation: After you reach a decision, the permanent procedure is performed, and most patients return to a normal routine within 24 hours.
- Recovery: Care should be taken to protect the incision site, which may be slightly sore as it heals.
Adapting to spinal cord stimulation technology requires careful adherence to medical guidance.
What Is Life Like?
Once the device is implanted, the patient transitions into the long-term management phase of the therapy. Modern spinal stimulation therapy places control directly in the patient’s hands. The SCS remote allows users to turn the system on or off and adjust the level of electrical stimulation to meet their specific needs and preferences. Technological advancements have improved the livability and maintenance of these devices. For instance, some systems feature a battery that lasts up to 10 years at low-dose settings without requiring charging.
Schedule Your Spinal Cord Stimulation Appointment
SCS offers a potential solution for patients suffering from chronic pain. The technology works by masking pain signals with mild electrical currents, and the procedure involves a trial period to make sure it is the right fit for the patient. For chronic numbness, burning, or tingling, contact a pain management specialist near you to schedule your appointment today.
