What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is an advanced device that can help manage chronic pain when other treatments haven’t worked. It’s implanted near your spine and works by sending mild electrical pulses to your spinal cord, which helps to block pain signals before they reach your brain. The great thing about spinal cord stimulation is that you get to try it out before making any permanent decisions. During a trial period, temporary leads are placed to see if the stimulator helps reduce your pain. If you experience significant relief, the device can be permanently implanted. Many patients find that an SCS helps them reduce their reliance on pain medications and improves their quality of life. Knowing that you have a tool that can be adjusted to your needs offers comfort and gives you control over your pain. With the support of your medical team, spinal cord stimulation can offer a promising way to manage your pain and get back to doing the things you love.
The Science Behind Spinal Cord Stimulation:
Candidates Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS):
- Chronic Back Pain: Particularly in patients who have undergone surgery (failed back surgery syndrome).
- Chronic Neck Pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD).
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Including diabetic neuropathy and other forms of nerve damage.
- Post-Surgical Pain: For example, persistent pain after spinal surgery.
- Arachnoiditis: Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane surrounding the spinal cord, often leading to chronic pain.
- Angina: Intractable chest pain that doesn’t respond to conventional treatments.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease: Causing pain due to poor blood flow, particularly in the legs.
- Phantom Limb Pain: Pain that occurs after limb amputation.
- Spinal Cord Injury Pain: Neuropathic pain resulting from damage to the spinal cord.
Spinal cord stimulation is a versatile therapy that can be tailored to different types of pain, providing relief in various challenging conditions.
What Patients Can Expect During Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
- Consultation and Evaluation: Your doctor will discuss your pain history and determine if spinal cord stimulation (SCS) might be a good option for you. This evaluation will include a physical exam and possibly some diagnostic tests.
- Trial Phase: Before committing to a permanent device, you’ll undergo a trial phase. Temporary leads will be placed near your spinal cord, and you’ll try the stimulator for a few days to see how it affects your pain. This is done as an outpatient procedure, and most people go home the same day.
- Permanent Implantation: If the trial phase is successful and you experience significant pain relief, you may choose to have a permanent spinal cord stimulator implanted. This involves placing the pulse generator under your skin, typically in your lower back or buttocks, and connecting it to the leads near your spinal cord. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia.
- Recovery and Adjustment: After the implant, there will be a short recovery period. You’ll work with your doctor to fine-tune the device settings for optimal pain relief. Over time, adjustments can be made to suit your needs.
- Ongoing Management: You’ll receive a handheld remote to control your spinal cord stimulator. You can adjust the intensity of the stimulation as needed. Follow-up visits with your doctor will ensure the device continues to provide effective relief.