Stimulating the spinal cord is a process that can be done in a variety of ways. This blog post will discuss how this stimulation works and what it is used for.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a neuromodulation treatment that relieves chronic pain. A device called a neurostimulator is implanted under the skin and sends electrical signals through leads connected to the spinal cord. This creates an alternative sensation of tingling or numbness that can block or reduce pain signals traveling to the brain.
How does it work?
Spinal cord stimulation is a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain. The neurostimulator device is about the size of a stopwatch and is connected to leads that are placed in your epidural space (the space around the ligaments and nerve roots of your spine) through small needle-puncture wounds. The neurostimulator delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord through these leads to block pain signals, similar to how your brain naturally produces endorphins to relieve or lessen pain.
Who can benefit from it?
Patients with chronic pain who have not found relief through traditional therapies may benefit from spinal cord stimulation.
Spinal cord stimulation is most often used to treat patients who suffer from failed back surgery syndrome, post-laminectomy syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and intractable angina. However, it can be effective for any type of nerve-based pain.
Many people with chronic pain benefit from spinal cord stimulation and experience significant relief that improves their quality of life.
Following is a list of some common benefits:
– Decreases or eliminates the need for pain medication
– Provides continuous coverage of pain, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
– Reduces the occurrence of side effects associated with oral pain medications, such as stomach upset and constipation- May lead to a more active lifestyle
– Has been shown to provide pain relief for up to 5 years in most cases.
Learn more how: Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Can Treat Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms.
How to find a doctor who provides this service near you?
You should talk with your primary care physician or neurologist about the possibility of spinal cord stimulation to treat your pain. If he or she thinks it may be right for you, they will refer you to a pain specialist who can help determine if you are a good candidate for this type of treatment. You can also find more information about SCS physicians through websites.
To sum up, the benefits of getting spinal cord stimulation in Chicago are that it can help reduce pain and other symptoms. It doesn’t require surgery or medication, has a low risk of side effects, and typically only takes about 15 minutes to complete. If you’re suffering from chronic back pain with no relief in sight, this may be an option worth exploring further!