SPINAL CORD STIMULATION (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced treatment for chronic pain using low-level electrical impulses to stimulate targeted nerves along the spine. The stimulation interferes with the transmission of pain signals to the brain. When successful, painful sensations are replaced with what some patients describe as a more pleasing sensation, called paresthesia.
What does spinal cord stimulation therapy involve?
Spinal cord stimulation requires a minor surgical procedure to implant the system components. During the procedure, one or more leads are placed in the epidural space. The leads contain electrodes that produce the electrical signals that result in stimulation. The leads are then connected to a small electronic device placed just under the skin.
Is spinal cord stimulation safe?
Spinal cord stimulation has been used successfully in thousands of people worldwide over the last two decades. SCS has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain types of chronic pain, including pain of the arms, legs and/or trunk.
What does spinal cord stimulation feel like?
The sensation - called paresthesia - can differ from patient to patient. Some people describe it as a pleasant tingling. Ideally, the stimulation should be located in areas where chronic pain is usually felt, replacing the pain with a more pleasing, non-painful sensation.
Will I be totally pain-free with spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is not a cure, so it is unlikely that it will eliminate all of your pain. The degree of pain relief attained varies from person to person. The goal of SCS is to decrease severe chronic pain to a more manageable level.
Will spinal cord stimulation allow me to be free of pain medicines?
Spinal cord stimulation is part of an overall treatment plan to manage chronic pain. Many people are able to decrease or even discontinue pain medications. However, there may be times when your pain increases, and you will need pain medication in addition to spinal cord stimulation.
Is spinal cord stimulation similar to TENS?
Both TENS and SCS use electrical impulses, but they are very different in how they work and the types of pain they can treat effectively. A TENS unit is an external device. It delivers electrical impulses through pads placed directly on the skin over the painful area. TENS stimulation is weaker and more localized than SCS. TENS is generally not effective for severe chronic pain. Past success or failure with TENS therapy is not an indication of how you will respond to spinal cord stimulation therapy.
Does spinal cord stimulation require major surgery?
No. The trial procedure requires sterile conditions. The permanent unit if pain relief is adequate will be performed at a hospital or day surgery center and typically does not require a lengthy hospital stay.
Are there possible complications with the surgery?
As with any procedure, there is a risk of infection and bleeding. There is also a possibility of injury to the spinal cord, equipment failure, or lack of benefit from the therapy. Although the risk of complication is low, you should ask your doctor about them.
Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced treatment for chronic pain using low-level electrical impulses to stimulate targeted nerves along the spine. The stimulation interferes with the transmission of pain signals to the brain. When successful, painful sensations are replaced with what some patients describe as a more pleasing sensation, called paresthesia.
What does spinal cord stimulation therapy involve?
Spinal cord stimulation requires a minor surgical procedure to implant the system components. During the procedure, one or more leads are placed in the epidural space. The leads contain electrodes that produce the electrical signals that result in stimulation. The leads are then connected to a small electronic device placed just under the skin.
Is spinal cord stimulation safe?
Spinal cord stimulation has been used successfully in thousands of people worldwide over the last two decades. SCS has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain types of chronic pain, including pain of the arms, legs and/or trunk.
What does spinal cord stimulation feel like?
The sensation - called paresthesia - can differ from patient to patient. Some people describe it as a pleasant tingling. Ideally, the stimulation should be located in areas where chronic pain is usually felt, replacing the pain with a more pleasing, non-painful sensation.
Will I be totally pain-free with spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is not a cure, so it is unlikely that it will eliminate all of your pain. The degree of pain relief attained varies from person to person. The goal of SCS is to decrease severe chronic pain to a more manageable level.
Will spinal cord stimulation allow me to be free of pain medicines?
Spinal cord stimulation is part of an overall treatment plan to manage chronic pain. Many people are able to decrease or even discontinue pain medications. However, there may be times when your pain increases, and you will need pain medication in addition to spinal cord stimulation.
Is spinal cord stimulation similar to TENS?
Both TENS and SCS use electrical impulses, but they are very different in how they work and the types of pain they can treat effectively. A TENS unit is an external device. It delivers electrical impulses through pads placed directly on the skin over the painful area. TENS stimulation is weaker and more localized than SCS. TENS is generally not effective for severe chronic pain. Past success or failure with TENS therapy is not an indication of how you will respond to spinal cord stimulation therapy.
Does spinal cord stimulation require major surgery?
No. The trial procedure requires sterile conditions. The permanent unit if pain relief is adequate will be performed at a hospital or day surgery center and typically does not require a lengthy hospital stay.
Are there possible complications with the surgery?
As with any procedure, there is a risk of infection and bleeding. There is also a possibility of injury to the spinal cord, equipment failure, or lack of benefit from the therapy. Although the risk of complication is low, you should ask your doctor about them.
MANHATTAN
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