Chronic pain can severely impact your quality of life, limiting your ability to perform daily tasks, enjoy activities, and maintain your overall well-being. If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain and other treatments have failed, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) may be a solution that brings relief. SCS is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive therapy that can help manage chronic pain caused by a variety of conditions. By blocking pain signals before they reach the brain, SCS offers long-lasting relief, enabling you to regain control over your life.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a treatment that uses a small device implanted under the skin to deliver low-level electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with the pain signals sent to the brain, replacing the sensation of pain with a mild tingling feeling called paresthesia, or in some cases, no sensation at all. The device is controlled by the patient, allowing them to adjust the intensity of stimulation as needed.
SCS is particularly effective for people who have not found relief from conventional pain management treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or injections. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, SCS has been shown to reduce chronic pain in 50-70% of patients who undergo the procedure.
Conditions That Spinal Cord Stimulation Can Improve
SCS is commonly used to manage chronic pain conditions affecting the back, spine, and extremities. Some of the most frequently treated conditions include:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): Patients who experience persistent pain after spinal surgery often find relief through SCS. The procedure helps manage the ongoing pain and discomfort that surgery could not resolve.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): CRPS is a chronic pain condition that usually affects a limb following an injury or surgery. SCS can alleviate the severe, burning pain and other symptoms associated with CRPS by interrupting the pain signals.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage, often caused by diabetes or injury, can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in chronic pain, tingling, or numbness. SCS helps to reduce these symptoms by regulating the abnormal pain signals caused by the damaged nerves.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain. SCS offers a way to manage spinal stenosis-related pain without further surgical intervention.
- Chronic Radiculopathy: Patients with radiculopathy, commonly referred to as a pinched nerve, often suffer from pain radiating down the arms or legs. SCS can help reduce this radiating pain and improve mobility.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation
SCS is a minimally invasive procedure that offers several advantages for people dealing with chronic pain:
- Long-lasting relief: For many patients, SCS provides consistent pain relief that lasts for years, allowing them to reduce or eliminate their reliance on pain medications.
- Customizable pain management: One of the unique benefits of SCS is the ability to adjust the level of stimulation based on your pain levels, giving you greater control over your treatment.
- Minimally invasive: The implantation of the SCS device is performed with small incisions, reducing recovery time and risk compared to more invasive surgeries.
- Drug-free pain relief: SCS can reduce the need for pain medications, including opioids, which are commonly prescribed for chronic pain but carry the risk of addiction and other side effects. Given the current opioid crisis, this is a significant benefit for many patients.
According to a study published in the Journal of Pain Research, over 80% of patients treated with SCS report significant improvement in pain and quality of life. Additionally, many patients experience reduced use of pain medications and increased mobility, helping them return to normal activities and improve their overall well-being.
Take Control of Your Pain
If chronic pain has taken control of your life, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) may be the solution you’ve been seeking. SCS has helped countless patients manage debilitating conditions and achieve long-lasting relief. By addressing pain at its source, this innovative treatment can restore your quality of life and help you regain your independence. To learn more about SCS for treating chronic pain, contact our team at FullRange Spine & Ortho to schedule a consultation at one of our Los Angeles, CA, area locations.
Posted on behalf of FullRange Spine & Ortho