What is Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)?
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a pain management therapy that uses a device to deliver mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord. This device consists of a small pulse generator implanted under the skin, usually in the abdomen or buttocks, and one or more thin wires (leads) that are placed along the spinal cord. The electrical impulses generated by the SCS device interfere with the nerve signals that transmit pain to the brain, replacing them with a tingling sensation known as paresthesia. SCS is primarily used to manage chronic pain that has not responded well to other treatments.
Spinal Cord Stimulation offers an innovative, non-pharmacological approach to pain management, providing significant relief for patients with chronic pain conditions. This therapy can greatly enhance quality of life by reducing pain levels and improving functionality, especially for those who have not found relief through other treatment methods.
Key Issues Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Solves
- Chronic Back and Leg Pain
- Pain Due to Nerve Damage
- Reduction of Pain Medication Dependency
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Peripheral Neuropathy Relief
- Ischemic Pain Management
- Improvement in Mobility and Function
- Spinal Stenosis Pain
- Reduction of Pain Flare-Ups
What Causes the Need for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)?
Spinal Cord Stimulation is often considered for managing pain conditions that do not respond to conventional treatments. Some common causes that necessitate SCS include:
Pain persists after one or more back surgeries, often due to scar tissue formation, nerve damage, or unresolved spinal issues.
Pain radiating down the legs from the lower back due to nerve compression or irritation, often linked to herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
A severe pain condition that typically develops after an injury, surgery, or trauma, affecting one limb with persistent and debilitating pain.
Pain resulting from damaged or malfunctioning nerves, which can occur due to diabetes, chemotherapy, shingles, or other conditions.
Reduced blood flow to the limbs due to narrowed arteries can cause severe pain, which may be relieved by improving circulation with SCS.
Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing chronic pain and discomfort.
Chronic pain resulting from nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, often leading to severe burning or tingling pain in the legs and feet.
Chronic pain that follows a shingles outbreak, resulting in persistent nerve pain long after the skin lesions have healed.
SCS can sometimes be used for managing refractory angina, a condition where reduced blood flow to the heart causes severe chest pain.
SCS can help manage phantom limb pain, which is the sensation of pain in a limb that has been amputated.