Effective Pain Treatments near Phoenix
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a medical procedure aimed at managing chronic pain from multiple sources. It involves the use of small electrodes implanted near the spinal cord that deliver mild electrical impulses to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. The procedure consists of two thin wires with 8 electrodes each that are placed in the epidural space of the spinal canal and then connected to an internal battery-powered generator.
During the SCS procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the wires will be inserted. The surgeon will then guide the wires into the desired position using live fluoroscopic guidance. Once in place, the wires are connected to the generator, which is typically implanted under the skin in the lower back or buttock region.
After the procedure, you will work directly with your spinal cord stimulator device representative where specific dosing is tailored to each individual patient’s needs. You will also receive a handheld controller that allows you to adjust the level of stimulation you receive to achieve optimal pain relief. There are two types of stimulation: one you may feel such as a light tingle or buzzing sensation (paresthesia-based stimulation), and one you do not feel (sub-perception stimulation). Both types of stimulation are commonly deployed depending on the patient.
SCS is often recommended for individuals with chronic pain conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, nonsurgical chronic back pain, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or complex regional pain syndrome when conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief. It is a reversible treatment option that can be adjusted or turned off if necessary. SCS does not eliminate the source of pain but aims to help manage it more effectively, reduce reliance on pain medications, and improve overall quality of life.
Prior to undergoing SCS trial and implant, a thorough evaluation will be conducted by a pain management specialist as well as a psychological evaluation by a pain psychologist to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. They will consider your medical history, pain condition, and response to trial stimulation, among other factors.
During the SCS procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the wires will be inserted. The surgeon will then guide the wires into the desired position using live fluoroscopic guidance. Once in place, the wires are connected to the generator, which is typically implanted under the skin in the lower back or buttock region.
After the procedure, you will work directly with your spinal cord stimulator device representative where specific dosing is tailored to each individual patient’s needs. You will also receive a handheld controller that allows you to adjust the level of stimulation you receive to achieve optimal pain relief. There are two types of stimulation: one you may feel such as a light tingle or buzzing sensation (paresthesia-based stimulation), and one you do not feel (sub-perception stimulation). Both types of stimulation are commonly deployed depending on the patient.
SCS is often recommended for individuals with chronic pain conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, nonsurgical chronic back pain, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or complex regional pain syndrome when conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief. It is a reversible treatment option that can be adjusted or turned off if necessary. SCS does not eliminate the source of pain but aims to help manage it more effectively, reduce reliance on pain medications, and improve overall quality of life.
Prior to undergoing SCS trial and implant, a thorough evaluation will be conducted by a pain management specialist as well as a psychological evaluation by a pain psychologist to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. They will consider your medical history, pain condition, and response to trial stimulation, among other factors.