Revolutionizing Back Pain Relief with Spinal Cord Stimulation
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
For patients who suffer from constant, debilitating pain, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is the path to freedom. As an innovative treatment, it is fairly straightforward.
Your doctor implants a device that sends low-level electrical impulses to the spinal cord to disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Because the pain signals never make it to the brain, you do not register the pain.
The SCS system that sends these impulses, has a pulse generator, lead wires, and a handheld remote control. It delivers accurate electrical pulses to allay pain signals at their origin.
Conditions Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation is life changing for chronic conditions that have stubbornly resisted other treatments. Some of the conditions that respond particularly well to SCS are the following:
- Spondylolisthesis – One of the vertebrae (bones in the spine) slip out of alignment and press on the bones below.
- Cervical radiculopathy (e.g. pinched nerve)
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Post-surgical pain
- Arachnoiditis – Inflammation of the membrane that protects the spinal cord and the brain
- Treatment-resistant angina
- Osteoarthritis where joint pain detrimentally impacts the quality of life.
The Spinal Cord Stimulation Procedure
- First, you undergo a trial period of 5 – 7 days to determine whether the SCS device will work on your body. During this trial, your provider places temporary leads near the spinal cord and connects them externally to a pulse generator. This generator then delivers electrical pulses to interrupt the pain. You can adjust the stimulation as needed and will record both your pain and stimulation very carefully.
- Next, you undergo the implantation procedure. This outpatient procedure allows you to go back home on the same day as the procedure. The permanent pulse generator is usually implanted in the upper buttock area, with leads securely placed near the spinal cord to deliver electrical impulses effectively.
- Once your device sits securely, you should experience immediate pain relief and a higher quality of life.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation
SCS can benefit patients suffering from chronic pain.
- One primary benefit is exceptional pain relief. By delivering mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, SCS effectively masks pain signals before they reach the brain.
- Another benefit is a reduction in your dependency on medications. With SCS, you feel less pain. You use less medication, and you experience fewer side effects. All of these benefits combined can dramatically improve your quality of life.
In terms of overall life quality, many patients could resume normal activities with SCS treatment, allowing them to lead more fulfilling lives.
The progress of SCS technological methods and innovations, such as rechargeable devices, provides patients with long-lasting solutions with minimal maintenance. These combined benefits make spinal cord stimulation a valuable option for managing chronic pain.
Ready to reclaim your life from persistent back pain? Access the life-changing power of Spinal Cord Stimulation at Altus Spine and Joint Care. At ALTUS, there’s hope beyond medications and surgery. Our all-encompassing pain management procedures address every aspect of your pain, empowering you to find practical and lasting relief.
Take the first step toward managing your pain and regaining control of your life with our expert care. Learn more and start your journey to pain-free living today!
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