SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR Q & A
WHAT IS SPINAL CORD STIMULATION?
Spinal cord stimulation uses electric pulses, delivered through wire leads, that prevent your nerves from receiving pain signals sent by your brain. This treatment method often helps relieve chronic pain in the back, legs, and arms.
HOW DOES SPINAL CORD STIMULATION WORK?
During the procedure, Dr. Glaser inserts insulated wires leads through a hollow epidural needle or small incision. The wire leads enter the epidural space, which is the space the surrounding your spinal cord. Electrodes at the end of the wire leads stimulate the nerves by sending out electrical pulses. This results in pain signals being blocked.
Dr. Glaser will determine the right placement of the stimulators based on your feedback during the procedure.
An external trial stimulator will be used for about a week to determine how effective the pain relief is and if you’re a good fit for a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant.
HOW DOES PERMANENT SCS IMPLANTATION WORK?
If the trial spinal cord stimulation proves effective, Dr. Glaser may fit you with a permanent implantable pulse generator (IPG) to manage and treat your chronic pain.
During this procedure, you may be under general anesthesia or sedation. One or more permanent leads are placed in the predetermined space surrounding your spinal cord. The IPG is carefully positioned under the skin, usually implanted in the buttocks or abdomen. Once the procedure is complete, you will use an external wireless device to control the amount of electric pulse stimulation. You’ll also have the ability to adjust the power level and switch between different programs.
WHAT KINDS OF SPINAL CORD STIMULATIONS ARE OFFERED?
Glaser Pain Relief Center provides two different types of spinal cord stimulation treatments.
LOW-FREQUENCY STIMULATION
Low-frequency stimulation causes a tingling sensation, known as paresthesia, which distracts from your pain. Click here to learn more.
HIGH-FREQUENCY STIMULATION
HF10™ Therapy, Nevro®’s high-frequency stimulation treatment, is a cutting-edge option that provides pain relief without the use of paresthesias. Click here to learn more. You may also download a fact sheet here.
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Spinal cord stimulation is an effective, FDA-approved treatment for those with certain types of chronic neck and back pain. Over 50,000 people worldwide opt for this form of treatment each year.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SPINAL CORD STIMULATION?
When it comes to major spine surgery, you can’t “test drive” anything. With spinal cord stimulation, you get a trial run to find out if it works for you. Plus, it’s minimally invasive with very little discomfort or downtime.
Spinal cord stimulation isn’t a cure for your pain, but it can reduce it to manageable levels and allow greater function.
WHAT CAN SPINAL CORD STIMULATION BE USED TO TREAT?
Spinal cord stimulation is used to treat and alleviate painful symptoms associated with a variety of conditions that affect your back and neck areas, including:
- Chronic neck or back pain
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Complex regional pain syndrome
Dr. Glaser will determine whether or not you may benefit from spinal cord stimulation.
To find out if this innovative procedure could help alleviate your pain, call or schedule an appointment online to set up a consultation with Dr. Glaser.
GLASER PAIN RELIEF CENTER
INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST LOCATED IN ENCINO, CA
Spinal cord stimulation treats several chronic pain conditions that cause discomfort in your neck, back, and other areas of your body. At Glaser Pain Relief Center, leading interventional pain management specialist, Jeffrey B. Glaser, MD provides advanced treatment options using high and low-frequency technology to minimize your pain, allowing you to lead an active and productive life. Call or schedule an appointment online today and find out how spinal cord stimulation technology can help you. Dr. Glaser is located in Encino, California and serves patients in the Greater Los Angeles area.
