Insight Neurosurgery – If you are experiencing chronic back pain, neuropathy, or conditions such failed back surgery syndrome that are not responding to conservative treatments, spinal cord stimulators (SCS) can be a safe and highly effective way to improve your quality of life. Considered revolutionary in the field of pain management, spinal cord stimulators are implanted under the skin and deliver mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. This results in less pain, fewer side effects, and improved overall well-being for patients dealing with debilitating conditions. Although the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation varies from person to person, it can offer many advantages. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect if you make the decision to undergo spinal cord stimulation.
Pain Relief
One of the principal benefits of a spinal cord stimulator is chronic pain relief, especially in patients experiencing conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, neuropathic pain, and complex regional pain syndrome. Spinal cord stimulators are designed to reduce the intensity of pain, improving disability and overall quality of life.
Minimally Invasive
Spinal cord stimulators are a safe and effective alternative to prescription pain medications and surgery. The implantation of a spinal cord stimulator is considered a minimally invasive procedure, which results in shorter recovery times, less postoperative pain, and fewer risks for complications.
Customizable Technology
Every person responds to spinal cord stimulation differently. One of the benefits of this procedure is that the settings can be customized to optimize pain relief for an individual’s unique needs. This process is simple and involves adjusting the parameters of the electrical stimulation to ensure it is effectively blocking pain signals.
Trial Period for Assessment
Another advantage of spinal cord stimulators is the ability to assess its effectiveness before undergoing permanent implantation. Patients typically undergo a trial period where temporary electrodes are placed on the body. This allows the patient and their physician to assess the effectiveness of the device or any adverse reactions and discomfort before committing to a permanent implant.
Reduced Dependency on Medication
Many people who choose spinal cord stimulation are able to reduce dependency on prescription pain medications. This results in numerous benefits, including fewer potential side effects, avoidance of dependency and addiction, and enhanced emotional wellbeing.
Improved Functionality
Chronic pain can limit a person’s ability to work, socialize, and engage in daily activities. The pain relief experienced from spinal cord stimulation allows for improvement in everything from work performance and recreational activities to overall physical function and mobility.
Better Sleep
Sleep patterns are often disrupted due to chronic pain. By alleviating pain, spinal cord stimulators can help people experience less discomfort during the night, allowing for more restful sleep.
Enhanced Mood and Emotional Wellness
Mental health is also impacted significantly when people are dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis. While not directly designed to address mental health issues, spinal cord stimulators allow patients to manage their pain effectively, resulting in improved mood and emotional wellness.
Spinal cord stimulators can be a safe and highly effective solution for patients experiencing certain types of chronic pain or difficult to treat pain. From the minimally invasive approach and trial period for assessment to better mobility and mental health, spinal cord stimulators contribute to an overall improvement in quality of life for pain patients otherwise unable to find relief. If you think you might benefit from spinal cord stimulation, contact Insight Neurosurgery today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
FAQ
Q: What conditions can be treated with spinal cord stimulators?
A: A number of chronic or difficult to treat pain conditions can be treated with spinal cord stimulators. Neuropathic pain, failed back surgery syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome are just a few of the conditions commonly treated with this procedure.
Q: How long does the spinal cord stimulator last?
A: Spinal cord stimulators are powered by batteries, which typically last between five and ten years. When the battery is no longer working, another procedure will be required to either replace the battery or the device.
Q: Do spinal cord stimulators completely eliminate pain?
A: Complete elimination of pain is not always achievable with spinal cord stimulators. However, they are very effective in significantly reducing pain and enhancing overall quality of life in people experiencing chronic or difficult to treat conditions.