![]() Not only does this whole process reduce pain, but it increases microcirculation. SCS therapy harnesses the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals that are used by nerve fibers to communicate with each other. They control how much pain is received by the brain. Pain-inhibitory pathways essentially work as a gate-keeper. However, it also helps the body restore pain-inhibition pathways that have been lost. Spinal cord stimulation therapy reduces the amount of abnormal pain signals from reaching the brain. Other types of pain caused by stump pain, peripheral vascular disease, multiple sclerosis, or a spinal cord injury may be reduced by the use of a spinal cord stimulator. Arachnoiditis: This is painful inflammation and scarring of the protective lining of spinal nerves.Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: When patients experience a severe chronic pain, typically in their hands or feet.Sciatica or Arm Pain: Persistent pain caused by arthritis, spinal stenosis, or extensive nerve damage.Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: When initial surgery (or surgeries) have been ineffective in reducing pain on a consistent basis.SCS therapy is used to reduce these types of pain: This type of therapy is more effective when utilized in the earlier stages of a chronic disease or conditions, rather than later when a disability has been established. If you have pain that is caused by a correctable problem (meaning it could be fixed by having surgery or other interventional treatments), SCS is a viable option for reducing your pain. Fortunately, there are no pre-existing medical conditions that would prevent someone from receiving this type of therapy. Spinal cord stimulation therapy is used when other treatment types have not been effective in reducing chronic pain or if the patient does not want to undergo surgery. ![]() More recently, SCS therapy has been proven to treat a number of chronic visceral pain types, such as abdominal or pelvic pain. Nerve pain that spans beyond damage to the brain and spinal cord, such as from an infection or even amputation or diabetes, is another reason that SCS may be recommended by your physician. Other leading causes for receiving SCS therapy is complex regional pain syndrome and peripheral neuropathic pain. More frequently, SCS is being used to avoid back surgery. Commonly, these patients have also had previous surgeries. Patients who are prime candidates for SCS have typically suffered from chronic pain in the lower back, leg, or arm. The nerve damage could be caused by injury, accident, or trauma. This is pain that originates from nerve damage. Spinal cord stimulation is used to treat neuropathic pain. Before a permanent spinal cord stimulator is implanted, each patient undergoes a trial to make sure this type of therapy will be effective and reduce their pain. Even the slightest bit of pain relief can be helpful to someone who suffers regularly. The goal of spinal cord stimulation is not to completely erase pain, but to provide a 50-70% reduction. Pain signals travel on the small nerve fibers, whereas the fabricated signals from the SCS travel on larger, more dominant nerves fibers. It is this sensation that overrides the pain signals. The SCS device produces a slight tingling sensation. This means that pain relief can vary depending on the patient. It simply runs interference with the signal to the brain. It is important to note that spinal cord stimulation therapy does not get rid of the source of the pain. The SCS minimizes pain because the current modifies and hides the pain signals from reaching the brain. ![]() A tiny wire transfers the pulse to the nerve fibers. What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?Ī spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a small device that is placed under the skin and transmits a mild, low-frequency electric current to the spinal cord. This is an option for patients who suffer from chronic pain, leg, or arm pain. A device similar to a pacemaker is implanted in the body and delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord. Spinal cord stimulation therapy is a pain treatment that masks the pain signal before they reach the brain.
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