Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation is an innovative treatment option for individuals living with chronic pain. This advanced therapy uses mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, offering meaningful relief.
A small device, known as a spinal cord stimulator, is implanted under the skin near the spine. Once activated, it delivers targeted electrical signals to the spinal cord, helping to reduce or mask the sensation of pain. Many patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life with this therapy, especially when other treatments have failed.
At Cellara Pain Institute, we offer spinal cord stimulation as part of our comprehensive approach to managing chronic pain.
Did You Know?
According to a report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), chronic pain affects more Americans than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined. It is estimated that over 100 million Americans live with chronic pain, making it one of the most widespread and challenging health issues in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a versatile treatment option for managing a variety of chronic pain conditions, including:
Back pain
Leg pain
Neuropathic pain
Amputation-related pain
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Persistent pain after back surgery (Post-Laminectomy Syndrome)
Diabetic neuropathy
SCS has been proven effective in treating pain that has not responded to other forms of treatment. If you are considering spinal cord stimulation, it is essential to consult with a pain management specialist at Cellara Pain Institute to evaluate whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
What Can I Expect When Undergoing Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Before having a spinal cord stimulator placed, you will first undergo a trial period to determine if SCS is an effective treatment for your pain. During this trial, a small wire will be placed near your spine and connected to a generator, which you will wear outside of your body. The generator allows you to adjust the strength and frequency of the electrical impulses. The trial period typically lasts about a week. If you experience a 70% or greater reduction in pain, the procedure is considered successful, and the permanent device can be implanted.
The placement of a spinal cord stimulator is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, meaning you can usually go home the same day. During the procedure, a small device is placed under the skin through a small incision near the spine. This eliminates the need for open surgery, offering significant benefits for many patients. The stimulator is connected to wires that are threaded through the body to the spinal cord. If the stimulator is not providing sufficient relief, it can be adjusted or turned off.
What Can I Expect After Having a Spinal Cord Stimulator Placed?
After your spinal cord stimulator placement, you will wake up in a recovery room where you will stay until the anesthesia wears off. Most patients are discharged within 1-2 hours after the procedure. Your doctor will provide detailed postoperative instructions, but you should refrain from engaging in strenuous activities for at least two weeks. You may also have stitches that will need to be removed approximately 3 days after the surgery. In most cases, your incision should heal within 2-4 weeks following the procedure.
Looking for Pain Relief?
Cellara Pain Institute services Madison, NJ, and surrounding communities. Reach out to us today to request an appointment.