Spinal Cord Stimulation

Chronic Back & Neck Pain Relief without Medication Reliance

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Spinal Cord Stimulation Diagram

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an exciting treatment option for patients who suffer from chronic back pain. SCS is a minimally invasive surgery that offers an option for patients whose back or neck pain isn’t fully managed from other treatments, such as opioids or other medications. HF10 spinal cord stimulation, offered at SpineOne improves on existing treatment options by remaining safe while driving, reducing side effects, and offering 24/7 relief.

This treatment is an effective alternative to opioid medication and traditional chronic pain therapies. SCS Therapy directs mild electrical pulses that modify or block nerve activity in a non-medicinal way to minimize the sensation of pain reaching the brain. This stimulation has similarities to a cardiac pacemaker, leading some to call the device a pacemaker for pain.

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Spinal Cord Stimulation provides medication-free, ongoing pain management and control with a relatively minor, minimally-invasive surgical procedure. Instead of taking a medication that affects the whole body and causes sleepiness, constipation, or other problems unrelated to the pain, the stimulator delivers pain relief only where it is needed. This therapy is also completely reversible. If you decide at any time to discontinue the therapy, the wires and generator can be removed without permanent damage to the spine.

Common Questions about Spinal Cord Stimulation

Generally, a spinal cord stimulation implant is a safe and effective procedure. With HF-1o Stimulation there are fewer risks and side effects. As with any minimally invasive medical procedure, there are risks, side effects and possible complications that you’ll want to discuss with your physician before treatment is administered. The risks to spinal cord stimulation implants are often minor, but may include:

  • Soreness and bruising where needle was injected
  • Potential infection at the injection point
  • Allergic reaction
  • Battery failure and/or battery leakage which will require further surgery to remove and replace
  • Weakness, numbness, clumsiness and/or paralysis

Consideration for a stimulator typically means that the patient has tried other treatments and surgeries with little-to-no success. The doctor and patient should have a thorough discussion about the pros and cons of the procedure. Be sure to tell your physician if you have any allergies (especially to anesthetics), are on blood-thinning medication or have an active infection before you proceed with the permanent implant.

Based on the results of the trial that occurred before the permanent stimulator was implanted, you should experience a reduction in pain, and a reduction in your reliance on pain medication. You should be able to resume normal activities like traveling, sports (even swimming) and work because the leads are inserted under the skin.  As with any procedure, following the prescribed course of treatment from your physician is critical.

This is a treatment for chronic pain in your lower back. The physician uses heat to reduce the sensitivity of nerve fibers in a spinal disc. More than one disc may be treated.