Spinal Cord Stimulation
For people living with chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can be a life-changing solution. SCS uses a mild electrical current to block pain signals before they reach the brain. It has become an increasingly popular treatment for those who have not responded to any other forms of therapy or medications. Let’s take a closer look at how this innovative therapy works and how it can benefit you.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
SCS involves implanting a small device, called an implantable pulse generator (IPG), near the spine. This device sends electrical impulses through small wires that are connected to the spinal cord. The low-level electrical pulses help disrupt the pain signals in the nerves before they reach the brain, which helps reduce pain for many patients.
Spinal cord stimulation is typically used for patients who suffer from chronic nerve or muscle-related pain, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), failed back surgery syndrome, and certain types of neuropathy. This type of system does not just mask symptoms; it works by actually blocking pain signals from reaching the brain and reducing their intensity. In addition, it can reduce inflammation and spasms in some patients, which further helps to reduce their overall discomfort level.
What Are the Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation?
The main benefit of SCS is that it can provide long-term relief from chronic pain without relying on drugs or invasive treatments like surgery. It is minimally invasive because only small incisions are made during implantation and it does not require any complicated recovery time afterward. In addition, many patients report that their quality of life improves significantly after having SCS implanted due to increased mobility and reduced dependence on medications and therapies for managing their condition.
Summary
Spinal cord stimulation provides hope for those suffering from chronic nerve or muscle-related pain that has not responded to other forms of therapy or medication management. With its minimally invasive procedure and potential long-term relief from painful symptoms, SCS offers a viable alternative for those looking to improve their quality of life without relying on drugs or undergoing difficult surgeries. If you’re considering this therapy option for yourself or a loved one, speak with your doctor about all the risks and benefits associated with SCS so you can make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you!