Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective option for pain management. It sends mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord using a device implanted in or near the spine. These pulses interfere with pain signals sent from the nerves to the brain, producing a tingling sensation that can reduce or eliminate the intensity of chronic pain symptoms. Spinal cord stimulation Houston is most often used to treat chronic back and leg pain, but it may also be beneficial for other types of pain.
Types of spinal cord stimulation
There are different types of spinal cord stimulation, including:
- High-frequency (HF) SCS: This stimulation helps block pain signals from reaching the brain. It has a higher electrical frequency than conventional SCS and is often used for chronic back or leg pain.
- Conventional SCS: This type of stimulation helps to reduce the intensity of pain signals sent from the nerves to the brain. It is often used for chronic back or leg pain, peripheral neuropathy, angina, and complex regional pain syndrome.
- Burst stimulation involves sending frequent pulses to the spinal cord at a much higher frequency than conventional SCS. It can provide more effective pain relief with fewer side effects than other types of stimulation.
How does spinal cord stimulation work?
The device sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interfering with pain signals sent from the nerves to the brain. This produces a tingling sensation that can reduce or eliminate the intensity of chronic pain symptoms.
The device is implanted in or near the spine and is connected to electrodes placed on or near the nerves where you feel pain. The device is typically operated using a remote control and can be adjusted to deliver the right stimulation for your needs. The device is usually implanted under general anesthesia and normally takes one to two hours.
Medical conditions that spinal cord stimulation can treat
These are some of the medical conditions that spinal cord stimulation can treat:
- Chronic back or leg pain includes sciatica, failed back surgery syndrome, and lumbar radiculopathy.
- Peripheral neuropathy is when the peripheral nerves become damaged or diseased and cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the affected areas.
- Angina is chest pain caused by narrowed arteries that provide blood to the heart muscle.
Talking to your doctor before starting spinal cord stimulation therapy is important as it may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor can help you determine if this treatment is right for you and discuss any potential risks.
Benefits of spinal cord stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation can provide a variety of benefits, including:
- Reduced pain: By targeting the area of the body where you are feeling pain, spinal cord stimulation can reduce or eliminate chronic pain symptoms.
- Improved mobility: Spinal cord stimulation can help improve your range of motion and allow you to move more easily by reducing the intensity of pain signals sent from your nerves.
- Reduce the need for medications: It can help reduce or eliminate the need for pain medications, which can help reduce your risk of side effects.
Talk to your doctor at Expert Pain about spinal cord stimulation if you are looking for a safe, non-invasive way to reduce your chronic pain symptoms.
