SCS is also suggested for situations when surgery is not likely to help, or when surgery has already failed. Spinal cord stimulation is recommended for patients with chronic pain that has persisted for over 3 months and has failed to resolve with other treatments like physical therapy, injections, and medication management.
When Should a Trial of SCS Be Considered in a Person with Chronic Pain? Note: SCS is not recommended for the treatment of numbness or weakness nor is it useful for treating pain resulting from a bone fracture or cancer. Spinal cord stimulation can also successfully treat these medical conditions: Failed back surgery or residual pain following back surgery.Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).Radiculopathy (pain that radiates down an arm or leg).Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is widely accepted treatment option for patients experiencing neuropathic pain caused by a pinched or injured nerve.Īdditionally, any patient with mechanical back pain caused by these conditions may be an ideal candidate for SCS: What Spine-Related Problems are Treatable with SCS?ĭetermining if you are a candidate for a spinal cord stimulator will mainly depend on what’s causing the pain. The patient has the ability to turn the current off and on or adjust the intensity of the signals. Once activated, the stimulator sends electrical signals to the leads to mask pain signals. A small incision is then made to place the pulse generator (battery) under the skin in the upper buttock. The device is implanted in the body through a needle placed in the back near the spinal cord. What is a Spinal Cord Simulator?Īs a newer treatment alternative for chronic back and neck pain, a spinal cord stimulator is a small medical device, much like a pacemaker, that utilizes electrical impulses to mask pain signals before they reach the brain. If you are experiencing chronic back pain, speak with a medical professional before planning your next steps. Please note, this article is for informational purposes only. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) blocks the brain from receiving those important signals. When nerves are damaged, they can send pain signals to the brain even if an injury is not occurring. This process helps prevent injury by making the person aware that something is wrong. Nerve signals are transmitted constantly from the body to the brain. Some patients even experience issues related to medication overuse to manage the discomfort. Over time, back pain can cause other chronic health problems like depression, anxiety, and weight gain. Once the pain starts, it can interfere with work, exercise, eating, or a variety of other daily activities. Chronic back pain develops when the body’s appropriate response to an injury lasts longer than it should.
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