Chronic pain can be debilitating, making it difficult to go about your day-to-day life. For those living with chronic pain in the back, arms, and/or legs, finding relief is a top priority – and spinal cord stimulation can provide that much-needed relief.
This revolutionary treatment can be life-changing for many people, providing them with the relief they never thought possible. Let’s talk about how spinal cord stimulation works, whether it might be a good option for you, and where you can go to get a spinal cord stimulation device from board-certified orthopedic surgeons and pain medicine specialists who specialize in interventional pain medicine treatments.
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation and How Does It Work?
Spinal cord stimulation is a form of interventional pain medicine that uses electrical impulses to stimulate the spinal cord. It is designed to interrupt pain signals that are sent to the brain, thereby providing pain relief.
Unlike other pain-relief treatments that may be temporary or have consequences (such as side effects on the liver and kidney), spinal cord stimulation is ongoing and doesn’t go through the digestive or circulatory systems. It is a tiny device that is implanted into the spine that sends continuous electrical signals to the nerves to block pain. The device can be manipulated by you via remote control, which you can use to adjust the stimulation as needed as your pain fluctuates.
What Are the Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Some of the many reasons why spinal cord stimulation has become such a popular interventional pain medicine treatment for chronic pain include the following:
- Relief from chronic pain
- Reduction in the need for pain-relief medication
- Improvement in quality of life
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduction in stress and anxiety levels
- Adjustable stimulation for different pain levels
- Treatment can be stopped at any time
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is a form of interventional pain medicine that can effectively treat a variety of health conditions, including:
- Back pain
- Arm pain
- Leg pain
- Neck pain
- Arthritis pain
- Neuropathy pain, such as pain from damaged spinal nerve coverings (arachnoiditis) or peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathy)
- Pain from failed back or neck surgery
- Pain from spinal stenosis
- Pain from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Trial Period of the Implanted Device
After being evaluated by a doctor to see if spinal cord stimulation may be right for you and if you then decide you want to try it out, you will go through a trial period to determine whether this form of interventional pain medicine works for you. This typically lasts for about one week, and during this time you will have an implantable device placed into your spine.
Most patients report a 50% to 70% reduction in pain – so they are able to participate in daily activities again. If you likewise at least experience relief from your chronic pain during this trial period, then you may decide to have the device permanently implanted. Note that the permanent implant can be removed later if necessary or if desired.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is most beneficial for those who have chronic pain that is not relieved by other treatments. It is considered a much better option than addictive and side-effect-laden opioids.
Interventional Pain Medicine and Spinal Cord Stimulation in Charlotte County, FL
If you are considering or would like more information about spinal cord stimulation as a treatment option for your chronic pain, Advanced Orthopedic Center can help. Our team of highly qualified board-certified orthopedic surgeons and interventional pain specialists offer comprehensive interventional pain medicine services, including spinal cord stimulation, pain relief steroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation.
We ensure that our patients receive the kind of care they need to experience less pain. To make an appointment with us, call us today at (941) 629-6262, or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you!
