Spinal cord stimulation therapy involves the masking of pain signals before the signals reach the brain. When understanding the process behind the question, “what is spinal cord stimulation,” it’s important that you receive the complete explanation behind the process. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain may be an ideal treatment for you. Read on to learn more about what is spinal cord stimulation, how it works to manage pain, and if our spinal cord stimulation therapy near me is right for you.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy Process
Before beginning spinal cord stimulation therapy, our Interventional Pain Doctors team of spine and pain management experts will meet with you to discuss treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain is often used when patients prefer a surgery-free pain procedure, or have tried and failed alternative treatments. Commonly used to treat sciatica, arthritis, herniated discs, or other conditions that cause back, neck, or leg pain, spinal cord stimulation near me works to successfully change the pain signals before they move up the spinal cord and to the brain, all made possible by a spinal cord stimulator device. This process of changing nerve cell activity is known as neuromodulation.
Before the permanent placement of a neuromodulation device, our specialists will place a temporary lead (thin wire) into the epidural space to see if neuromodulation works for you. The trial period lasts three to ten days. During this period, your spinal cord stimulation doctor will assess the effectiveness of the treatment. If a significant relief of pain (50-100 percent reduction) and/or significant improvement in your function, and/or a 50 percent or greater reduction in narcotic pain medicine is noted, this is considered a successful treatment. The leads will be removed, and a permanent neuromodulation device will be placed.
What is a spinal cord stimulator?
The spinal cord stimulator device is surgically implanted under the skin, similar to a pacemaker procedure. The spinal cord stimulator sends a mild electric current up the spinal cord, which stimulates the nerves in the area where the pain is felt. Pain reduction results from the electrical pulses that mask the pain signal from reaching the brain. Before the spinal cord stimulation therapy process, your doctor will walk you through each step to ensure that you are fully informed of the procedure plan.
Are there complications to spinal cord stimulation therapy?
While there are a plethora of benefits to spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain, there are also possible complications that come with the procedure. Possible complications include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Headache
A small percentage of patients may experience:
- Hardware failure
- Loss of effectiveness
- Allergic reaction to the device
- Increased pain
- Dural tears in the epidural space
- Skin erosion
The Interventional Pain Doctors team possesses years of experience, in sterile operating conditions, and uses only the most clinically trusted neuromodulation devices available to minimize spinal cord stimulation therapy complications.
Interventional Pain Doctors | Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain Solutions
Our team at Interventional Pain Doctors is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care plan that works for you. Dr. Jeffrey Jeng, Dr. Nicholas Fuller, Dr. Chad Heng, and Dr. Daniel Loder are highly experienced, qualified, and determined to your pain management journey. To learn more about what is spinal cord stimulation and how Interventional Pain Doctors can manage your pain, visit our website or contact us today.