Spinal Cord Stimulation - Back Pain Treatments in Clifton, Jersey City, Edison, West Orange & Hazlet

Chronic pain can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of a person's life. For those who have tried various treatments without success, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a promising alternative. Garden State Pain and Orthopedics offers this innovative therapy to provide relief from chronic pain without relying on medications, which often come with side effects and limitations. In this blog, we'll explore what spinal cord stimulation is, how patients qualify for it, the trial period involved, the longevity of the device, and why it’s a valuable alternative to medication.

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a pain management technique that involves the use of a small device implanted under the skin to deliver electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with the pain signals traveling to the brain, reducing the sensation of pain.

The SCS system typically consists of three components:

• The Pulse Generator: A small, battery-powered device implanted under the skin, usually in the lower back or abdomen.
• Electrodes: Thin wires placed near the spinal cord in the epidural space. These electrodes deliver the electrical impulses generated by the pulse generator.
• Remote Control: A handheld device that allows the patient to adjust the intensity and settings of the stimulation.

Spinal cord stimulation doesn’t eliminate the source of pain but rather changes the way the brain perceives it. Many patients describe the sensation from the stimulator as a tingling or massage-like feeling, which can mask the pain and provide significant relief.

How Patients Are Qualified for Spinal Cord Stimulation

Not every patient with chronic pain is a candidate for spinal cord stimulation. Qualification for SCS typically involves a thorough evaluation by a pain management specialist. Here’s how patients are assessed:

1. Chronic Pain Diagnosis: SCS is usually recommended for patients with chronic pain that has lasted for more than six months and has not responded to other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.

2. Specific Conditions: SCS is most commonly used for conditions such as:

   • Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
   • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
   • Peripheral neuropathy
   • Chronic leg or arm pain
   • Arachnoiditis (inflammation of the arachnoid lining of the spinal cord)

3. Evaluation of Pain Relief Needs: The specialist will assess whether SCS could effectively manage the patient's pain, considering factors such as the location, intensity, and nature of the pain.

4. Psychological Evaluation: Since chronic pain can significantly affect mental health, a psychological evaluation may be required to ensure that the patient is a good candidate for SCS and has realistic expectations about the outcomes.

The Trial Period

One of the unique aspects of spinal cord stimulation is the trial period, which allows patients to "test drive" the device before committing to permanent implantation.

1. Temporary Implantation: During the trial, the electrodes are temporarily placed near the spinal cord, but the pulse generator remains outside the body. The trial usually lasts about 5-7 days.

2. Patient Monitoring: During this period, patients are encouraged to engage in their usual activities while keeping a pain diary to track the device's effectiveness in reducing their pain.

3. Evaluation: At the end of the trial, the patient and doctor will assess the results. If the patient experiences significant pain relief (usually a 80% or greater reduction in pain), the trial is considered successful, and the patient may proceed with permanent implantation.

4. Decision-Making: If the trial is not successful, other pain management options can be explored.

Longevity of the Spinal Cord Stimulator

If the patient decides to proceed with permanent implantation after a successful trial, the pulse generator is implanted under the skin. The longevity of the spinal cord stimulator depends on the type of battery used:

• Rechargeable Battery: Devices with rechargeable batteries typically last 7-10 years, depending on usage and the amount of stimulation required. These devices can be recharged by the patient at home using a special charging pad.
• Non-Rechargeable Battery: Non-rechargeable devices may last 3-5 years. When the battery depletes, the device needs to be replaced through a minor surgical procedure.

Why Spinal Cord Stimulation is a Good Alternative to Medication

Spinal cord stimulation offers several advantages over traditional pain medications:

1. Reduced Dependence on Medications: SCS can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for opioid painkillers and other medications, which can have side effects and lead to dependency or tolerance over time.

2. Targeted Pain Relief: Unlike oral medications that affect the whole body, SCS provides targeted relief directly to the area where pain signals are transmitted, leading to more effective pain management.

3. Customizable Treatment: Patients can adjust the stimulation settings to find the most effective level of pain relief for their specific condition, giving them greater control over their treatment.

4. Minimized Side Effects: Because SCS does not involve systemic medication, it avoids many of the common side effects associated with pain medications, such as drowsiness, constipation, and cognitive impairment.

5. Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial cost of SCS can be high, it can be cost-effective in the long term by reducing the need for continuous medication and frequent doctor visits.

Spinal cord stimulation is a powerful tool in the management of chronic pain, offering patients an alternative to long-term medication use. By altering the way pain signals are perceived by the brain, SCS can provide significant relief, improve quality of life, and reduce reliance on painkillers. If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic pain that hasn't responded to other treatments, spinal cord stimulation may be worth considering. You can consult with a pain management specialist at one of our locations in Jersey City, West Orange, Clifton, Edison, or Hazlet, New Jersey by selecting the "Book Now" button.