There are numerous techniques available for alleviating pain. But only some respond well to every method. Additionally, some individuals struggle to locate a particularly effective technique for them. Sometimes folks just don’t want to employ particular pain management techniques, especially if they’re too invasive. Maintaining or restoring quality of life with a spinal cord stimulator is simple.
HOW DOES A SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR FUNCTION AND WHAT IS IT?
Spinal cord stimulators consist of a small battery pack that resembles a pacemaker and thin cables (the electrodes or the generator). The electrodes are placed in the epidural space, where the spinal cord and vertebrae connect, and the generator is positioned beneath the skin, generally towards the buttocks or abdomen. When a patient with a spinal cord stimulator feels pain, they can utilize a remote control to release electrical impulses. The antenna for the remote control is likewise located outside the body.
Although the mechanics underlying spinal cord stimulation are still poorly understood, specialists are now aware that it may target specific muscle groups straight from the spine and even change how the brain perceives pain.
Paresthesia, a mild tingling sensation, is used instead of pain by conventional spinal cord stimulators. New technologies offer “sub-perception” stimulation that cannot be felt by those who find this paresthesia upsetting.
Many of the most recent devices are implanted under X-ray and/or ultrasound guidance by medical professionals with advanced training in interventional pain management.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SPINAL CORD STIMULATION?
Spinal cord stimulation is most frequently used when nonsurgical pain management alternatives are ineffective. Spinal cord stimulators can be used to treat or manage a variety of chronic pain conditions, including :
- Back pain, particularly chronic back pain after surgery.
- Arachnoiditis (painful inflammation of the arachnoid, a thin membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord).
- Angina is unresponsive to various therapies.
- Spine-related injuries.
- Hurting my nerves (such as severe diabetic. neuropathy and cancer-related neuropathy from radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy).
- Vascular disease of the periphery.
- Regional complex pain syndrome.
- After-amputation discomfort.
- Visceral abdominal ache and perineal pain.
Spinal cord stimulation has been shown to improve overall health, encourage sound sleep, and reduce the need for painkillers. It frequently coexists alongside other methods of pain relief, including medication, exercise, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques.
FOR WHOM IS SPINAL CORD STIMULATION APPROPRIATE?
The majority of the time, spinal cord stimulation is an option for those whose other attempts at pain management have failed. For people who would prefer to avoid invasive surgery or other procedures, spinal cord stimulation may also become a possibility.
Some techniques of pain treatment are frequently unworkable for some people for reasons having to do with their health. Spinal cord stimulation may be suggested as a potential remedy in such circumstances. Realize that only a qualified facility and a qualified specialist should do this surgery.
Even for the most severe forms of pain, there are numerous pain management techniques. One of the many treatments available is a spinal cord stimulator. Discuss your pain with us, and we’ll point you in the direction of the best pain-management options to help you regain your quality of life.
Get in touch with Specialty Care Clinics, we give patients and medical professionals a non-surgical option for treating back and musculoskeletal pain. Make an appointment right away at (469) 545-9983 if you want to learn more about spinal cord stimulation.