Chronic back pain may limit daily activities, but one way to find relief may be with spinal cord stimulation. This technology uses electrical signals to mask pain before it reaches the brain. If traditional treatments such as medication or physical therapy do not achieve the desired result, you may be able to try a spinal cord stimulator to relieve daily pain. Here is more information about spinal cord stimulators and what they can do:
Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation uses a small device implanted under the skin that sends low-level electricity to the spinal cord. This system uses electrodes to deliver pulses that interfere with pain signals traveling to the brain; the sensation of pain is replaced by a light tingling or no feeling at all. Because this technology targets the neurological pathway, it may be effective for patients suffering from chronic nerve-related conditions.
Several conditions may be managed through this therapy, and physicians may recommend it for chronic back, neck, or leg pain. It is also used to treat complex regional pain syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. While many treatments focus on structural repairs, spinal cord stimulation instead modifies how the body perceives discomfort.
Benefiting From a Stimulator
Patients who undergo this procedure can experience a reduction in their reliance on oral pain medications. This treatment is entirely reversible, and the device can be removed at any time if it is no longer needed. Here are some benefits of using a spinal cord stimulator to manage pain:
- Decreased need for opioid medications
- Improved ability to perform daily tasks
- Reduction in chronic pain levels
Recent innovations in spinal cord stimulators include closed-loop technology, which allows the device to monitor the body and adjust its output in real-time. Standard stimulators provide a set amount of electrical stimulation, but closed-loop systems monitor the spinal cord’s response to maintain consistent stimulation levels even as a patient moves. This feature helps prevent uncomfortable shocks or loss of therapy during physical transitions.
Getting a Spinal Cord Stimulator
The process begins with a trial phase that allows you to test the device before committing to a permanent implant. A doctor places temporary leads through the skin into the epidural space during a minimally invasive procedure, and you then use an external controller to manage the settings for about one week to determine if the therapy effectively reduces your pain. If the trial provides enough reduction in discomfort, the medical team may schedule a permanent implantation.
For the permanent procedure, the provider places the battery and leads under the skin during a short outpatient surgery. Recovery time for this procedure is shorter than the recovery for traditional back surgery. Monitoring the incision site for signs of complications can help you get proper help with complications; contact a physician if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Excessive swelling or redness
- Fluid drainage from the incision
- Sudden loss of sensation in the legs
Learn More About Back Pain
A spinal cord stimulator is a device used to mask pain signals, and it may help manage conditions like neuropathy or failed back surgery syndrome. This treatment can provide relief from chronic discomfort. To learn more about spinal cord stimulators, consult a spine specialist near you.