Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant for Chronic Pain

It is estimated that at least 8% of adults suffer from chronic neck or back pain. Furthermore, 18% of Americans have experienced a recent episode of neck or back pain. While some pain can be relieved by popping a few over-the-counter pills, other pain is far more persistent. A treatment plan for this type of pain might include a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant for chronic pain.

In this guide, we’ll explore what a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant is and how the process works. You will discover who is a good candidate for this procedure and the benefits that come along with it. Additionally, there are risks and complications that can occur, just like any other procedure. Follow us in exploring the Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant and understanding its significance.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants work to relieve back and neck pain. These implants are designed to send low levels of electricity directly into your spinal cord. These puffs of electricity will essentially relieve the areas of pain. The implant consists of small electrodes inside of thin wires. They are connected to a pacemaker which works as a generator. After the implant is placed to the specific region of pain in the body, the patient will have access to a remote control. This allows the patient to send the electricity to the vertebrae as needed.

The way a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant works to relieve pain is by blocking signals of pain to the brain. When a patient uses the remote control, the electric impulses interfere with the pain signals. This ultimately leads to a significant decrease of pain signals to the brain. Typically, the electrodes only produce a small tingling or buzzing sensation to the patient.

Some of the common reasons to pursue a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant include conditions such as:

• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Diabetic neuropathy with pain
• Refractory angina
• Failed back surgery syndrome

Before a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant surgery is to be completed, a trial process will need to be performed. The purpose of the trial phase is to ensure this procedure will indeed help reduce chronic pain.

In the trial, you will be hooked up to temporary leads that will simulate the actual electrodes. Typically, you will use this system for 10 days and be advised to perform activities that seem to affect your pain in various ways. For example, if walking up stairs causes a flare-up, then you will want to try that with the temporary leads attached. When the pain begins to persist, you can send the electricity signals to see how your body responds. After your trial period, you and your physician can determine the success of the trial and readiness of surgery.

Studies and reports have shown that patients with Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants have reduced their chronic neck and back pain by as much as 50-70%. Typically patients report a reduction in pain intensity, improved functional abilities as in everyday tasks and pain relief lasting for many years.

As anyone could imagine, pain reduction in your daily activities can dramatically improve quality of life. Even simple activities like walking can significantly improve. In addition, many patients report improved mental and social health.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks to take into consideration. You will want to discuss the risk versus benefits directly with your pain doctor. Some things to take into consideration include infection, bleeding, electrode migration, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Certain types of patients should not ever be considered for Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant. These include pregnant women, bleeding disorders, lack of pain relief during the trial period, inability to use the device, and inability to participate in proper follow-up care. This device needs to have regular follow-up appointments to stay on the path to success.

In Phoenix, Scottsdale or Peoria there is only one pain management doctor to choose for your Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant. Summa Pain Care offers the trial and implant procedure to help manage your chronic neck or back pain. The immediate goal will be to help reduce and eliminate your prescription medications. Subsequently, a procedure like a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant will be determined in your treatment plan.

The Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant could be just the procedure you are looking for to reduce or eliminate your chronic neck or back pain. The good news is that a minimally invasive trial procedure will help determine if you are a proper candidate. By choosing the right doctor and treatment plan, you could be on your way to a pain-free future.