Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Right for You? Exploring Benefits and Considerations

Chronic pain can severely affect your life, in more ways than one. When the usual, go-to treatments don’t work, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) can be a game-changer, especially for ongoing pain in your back, legs, and arms. Let’s look at the benefits and considerations of SCS to see if it’s right for you- if it is, our pain doctors in Rowlett TX (pain clinics also in Sherman, Greenville & Forney, TX) would love to help you get back to being pain free.

 

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal Cord Stimulation uses low-voltage electrical pulses to block pain signals from reaching your brain. This helps manage pain and reduce the need for medications. It can be especially helpful if you haven’t found relief with other treatments.

 

Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Right for Me?

SCS is recommended if you:

  • Tried other treatments and experience no relief.
  • Have a clear, confirmed source of pain.
  • Would not benefit form surgery.
  • Don’t rely on pain medications.
  • Have no medical condition that prevents implantation.
  • Had a successful trial stimulation.

Conditions treated by SCS include:

  • Sciatica
  • Failed back surgery syndrome
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Arachnoiditis
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Peripheral vascular disease

 

The SCS Procedure

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is popular because it effectively reduces persistent pain. The SCS system has several parts:

  • Pulse Generator: A small device that gets implanted under your skin that creates electronic pulses.
  • Electrode Lead: Delivers pulses to your spinal cord, with 4 to 16 electrodes.
  • Extension Wire: Connects the lead to the pulse generator.
  • Remote Control: Turns on the pulse generator and adjusts the pulses.

The implantation process is minimally invasive and usually needs only local anesthesia. The pulse generator is placed under the skin near the spinal column, and the electrodes lead to the spinal cord’s nerve fibers. When activated, the electric currents create a tingling sensation that interrupts pain signals to the brain, reducing pain. Pretty neat, right?

 

SCS Trial

Most candidates will try SCS for seven days. This involves placing the SCS leads into the epidural space without making surgical incisions and using an external generator. If the trial successfully controls pain, permanent implantation is recommended.

 

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation

  • Minimally Invasive: The implantation procedure is simple with minimal surgery. (always a plus)
  • Cost-effective: SCS reduces the need for ongoing medications and treatments, saving money in the long run. Who doesn’t love a budget friendly solution?
  • Long-term Treatment: SCS provides lasting pain relief, helping manage chronic pain over time.
  • Improved Activity Levels: With better pain control, you can be more active and enjoy life to the fullest.

 

Spinal Cord Stimulation Rowlett, TX

Spinal Cord Stimulation offers hope if you are dealing with ongoing chronic pain. Schedule an appointment today at one of our pain management clinics in Rowlett, Sherman, Greenville & Forney, TX to see if it is the right treatment for you! We look forward to caring for you.