Chronic pain is a big issue for many people. If it is a substantial amount of pain, it can be difficult to move and function every day, particularly if it is located in the limbs, back, or neck areas. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain has become a widely used treatment for sufferers who have not found relief from other treatments.
As one of the two forms of neurostimulation therapy, SCS was approved in the late 1980s by the FDA. The success rate averages about fifty to seventy percent. Not all patients, however, will have successful relief from SCS therapy. Patients who have had success with SCS therapy have been able to enjoy increased mobility and a better quality of life.
Neurostimulation is a term that is loosely used to describe SCS, but it is actually a category used to group two forms of neurostimulation. This group includes SCS and Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation (PNFS). Both of these neurostimulation treatments are similar because they rely on electrical stimulation to block the body's response to pain, but the mode of delivery is different. SCS uses very thin wires with electrical nodes on the tips. These wires are set in place by using a needle to insert them through the skin and close to the spinal column. A small incision is made in the abdomen or upper buttock are to insert a very thin generator under the skin. This generator sends the electric currents to the wires placed near the spinal column.
A remote controls the generator and its functions. It can be programmed to be able to change the strength of the current and the area that receives the current. Through the remote, the system can be turned on or off as needed. The programmable settings allow the system to be customized to each individual patient.
SCS has been successful in alleviating several conditions. If you have already had surgery or multiple surgeries but are still suffering, this neurostimulation may help. Ideal candidates also include patients who have unrelenting pain in the neck or back that may or may not be accompanied by leg or arm pain. Patients with peripheral vascular disease or peripheral neuropathy are also candidates for SCS.
There are also some patients who would not benefit from SCS therapy. Pregnant and nursing women are at the top of the list. People with systemic infections should avoid SCS. Additionally, patients who have any type of internal cardiac equipment cannot have SCS treatment. If a patient has experienced pain or discomfort from a TENS unit or did not respond to the trial stimulation by at least fifty percent.
When you and your doctor have decided to start SCS therapy, a trial stimulation period is done first to determine if the therapy will be helpful. The trial period usually lasts at least a week. A trial stimulation system is temporary and is installed as an outpatient visit. Nodes are inserted under the skin on one end and are attached at the other end to a small portable external generator that is pre-programmed with various settings that are used to help the patient and doctor determine which pattern and intensity are the most beneficial.
As one of the two forms of neurostimulation therapy, SCS was approved in the late 1980s by the FDA. The success rate averages about fifty to seventy percent. Not all patients, however, will have successful relief from SCS therapy. Patients who have had success with SCS therapy have been able to enjoy increased mobility and a better quality of life.
Neurostimulation is a term that is loosely used to describe SCS, but it is actually a category used to group two forms of neurostimulation. This group includes SCS and Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation (PNFS). Both of these neurostimulation treatments are similar because they rely on electrical stimulation to block the body's response to pain, but the mode of delivery is different. SCS uses very thin wires with electrical nodes on the tips. These wires are set in place by using a needle to insert them through the skin and close to the spinal column. A small incision is made in the abdomen or upper buttock are to insert a very thin generator under the skin. This generator sends the electric currents to the wires placed near the spinal column.
A remote controls the generator and its functions. It can be programmed to be able to change the strength of the current and the area that receives the current. Through the remote, the system can be turned on or off as needed. The programmable settings allow the system to be customized to each individual patient.
SCS has been successful in alleviating several conditions. If you have already had surgery or multiple surgeries but are still suffering, this neurostimulation may help. Ideal candidates also include patients who have unrelenting pain in the neck or back that may or may not be accompanied by leg or arm pain. Patients with peripheral vascular disease or peripheral neuropathy are also candidates for SCS.
There are also some patients who would not benefit from SCS therapy. Pregnant and nursing women are at the top of the list. People with systemic infections should avoid SCS. Additionally, patients who have any type of internal cardiac equipment cannot have SCS treatment. If a patient has experienced pain or discomfort from a TENS unit or did not respond to the trial stimulation by at least fifty percent.
When you and your doctor have decided to start SCS therapy, a trial stimulation period is done first to determine if the therapy will be helpful. The trial period usually lasts at least a week. A trial stimulation system is temporary and is installed as an outpatient visit. Nodes are inserted under the skin on one end and are attached at the other end to a small portable external generator that is pre-programmed with various settings that are used to help the patient and doctor determine which pattern and intensity are the most beneficial.
About the Author:
Neil P. Hines is passionate about providing intelligent, unbiased and highly relevant medical information for people dealing with a wide range of pain conditions and related orthopedic needs, including back pain, knee pain, joint replacements, sports medicine, lumbar fusion and more. If you are interested in learning more about spinal cord stimulation doctors Bucks County he recommends that you visit his friends at St. Mary Medical Center.
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