Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain Patients
Many people who have chronic pain conditions have tried multiple treatments and therapies to relieve their pain – and for some people, none of these will work. At that point, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be an option recommended, and the procedure can be performed safely and comfortably at Specialty Surgical Center in Sparta, New Jersey.
Spinal cord stimulation uses electrical current to interrupt the pathway of pain to the brain, which effectively relieves pain. Instead of the sensation of pain, the patient will feel a gentle humming or buzzing, and many report that the sensation is a pleasant feeling.
Patients who suffer from nerve pain syndromes like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or diabetic neuropathy may benefit from spinal cord stimulation. Failed back surgery syndrome patients may also get pain relief from spinal cord stimulation.
One of the benefits of spinal cord stimulation is that patients are able to undergo a trial of the treatment before permanent implantation. The electric leads will be placed under the skin and are attached to a small, handheld generator that is programmed by the physician to provide the best pain relief for the patient. After the trial, if the patient has received satisfactory relief from pain, a permanent spinal cord stimulator may be implanted.
In the permanent placement procedure, the leads are again placed under the skin, and the generator will be placed in the abdomen or buttock. The patient will have a remote control to change the levels of the device for custom pain relief. The entire system is battery powered, and may need a replacement battery every two to five years.
Spinal cord stimulation may not work for everyone, and most studies report that 50-60% of people who undergo the trial experience relief from their chronic pain. Side effects of SCS are minimal, and patients can participate in any activities, including swimming.
For more information on spinal cord stimulation at Specialty Surgical Center, speak to your pain management doctor or contact us at 973-940-3166
Specialty Surgical Center is located in Sparta, New Jersey and our staff consists of board certified surgeons and anesthesiologists performing procedures in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spinal Care, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Management, ENT, Hand Surgery, Lithotripsy, Brachytherapy, GYN and Laser Surgery.
For more information about Specialty Surgical Center, call 973-940-3166 or visit our Contact Page.
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