Explaining The Conditions Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation

spinal cord stimulation

When other treatments for managing chronic pain have been proven ineffective, that is when you use Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). In the case of traditional methods, the individual might feel a tingling sensation, which can be uncomfortable for many. It can be a probable reason why a person goes for SCS over conventional techniques. 

The procedure includes placing electrodes on the spinal cord and epidural or vertebral column. It interrupts the pain signals and restricts them from reaching the brain. There is a remote control that is used to send electrical impulses, which helps manage pain. The device is used by highly specialized individuals who have extensive knowledge in the area. 

In Livingston, many healthcare facilities recognize the importance of this device and use it to treat different types of pain. Professionals are well-versed and trained to use the latest technology, including Livingston spinal cord stimulation.  

When do you use Spinal Cord Stimulation?

spinal cord stimulation

Spinal Cord Stimulation is generally used when different nonsurgical treatments have not been effective for a person. It is also used with other treatments, such as therapies and medications. 

What are the different types of conditions that can be treated with SCS? 

  • Peripheral Neuropathy: 

The nerves that come out of Spinal cord are called peripheral nerves. In the case of Peripheral Neuropathy, these nerves get damaged. In such a condition, you might feel numbness and weakness in your feet and hands as well.

 Other bodily functions, such as digestion, can also be affected. The cause can be a traumatic injury, or it can be inherited too. The pain experienced in this condition usually feels like a stabbing. The use of SCS improves these symptoms and reduces pain to a great extent. 

  • Injury to the spinal cord:

The injury could be to any part of the spinal cord. Cauda equina (nerves present at the end of the spinal cord) can also get damaged in this condition. Your different functions can get highly affected, as the spinal cord is known for sending signals between the body and the brain. Emotional aspects, cognitive functions, etc, can be affected too.

 You might not be able to feel different types of sensations, such as heat, cold, etc. Bladder control can also be affected. You may also find it difficult to breathe, and there can be extreme pain as well. SCS targets specific areas of the spinal cord, thereby improving symptoms of spinal cord injury. 

  • Failed Back Surgery Syndrome:

When you experience lower back pain after the surgery, or the lower back pain persists for a long time, that is when you get a Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). It is also called post-surgical spine syndrome. The more complex the surgery is, the higher the chances of getting FBSS.

 Lumbar Spinal Fusion is one such procedure with higher chances of the syndrome. Almost 46 percent of the chances of getting this syndrome after the surgery. The more the number of spinal surgeries, the more the chances of FBSS. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is proven to be highly effective in FBSS. The patients get relief from the extreme pain. 

  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS):  

This syndrome usually affects your arm or leg. If you have had an injury, heart attack, or surgery, the chances are high that you will get CRPS. The pain can be severe in your arm or leg in this syndrome. You may experience tremors, find it challenging to move affected body parts, etc. 

If you treat the condition during an early onset, you can certainly improve the condition. SCS has been effective in treating symptoms of the condition. There is an improvement in movement as well, and pain is also reduced to a reasonable extent. 

Contact a pain management clinic in Livingston!

Get in touch with a professional if you have any of the conditions mentioned above. They can administer the use of SCS and improve the condition.