Understanding Neuromodulation: A Modern Solution for Chronic Pain Relief
Chronic pain can feel like an endless battle, impacting your daily life and mental well-being. For many patients, traditional treatments […]
Chronic pain can feel like an endless battle, impacting your daily life and mental well-being. For many patients, traditional treatments […]
If you suffer from chronic neuropathic pain, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may provide relief when other treatments have failed.
The procedure for permanent implantation of a spinal cord stimulator is similar in many ways to the trial. The major difference is the implant of the generator. While the technology being used for spinal cord stimulation is rapidly changing, this is the typical process.
To be considered a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) implant, a trial run is usually scheduled. This involves the insertion of thin wires with electrodes attached. The wires are aligned with the affected nerve and attached to an external battery. These are then programmed for the most effective stimulation and reduction in pain response.
Spinal cord stimulation therapy works to try to mask pain signals before these reach the brain. A small implanted device (think pacemaker for the nervous system) delivers electrical pulses (controlled by the patient) within the spinal cord. It helps chronic pain patients better manage their ongoing pain and, ideally, reduce the use of opioid medications.