A spinal cord stimulator is a device implanted when non-surgical pain treatment options fail to provide relief. This device sends low levels of electricity to the spinal cord to relieve pain. Spinal cord stimulation improves the quality of life, and the need for pain medicine is reduced. Spinal cord stimulation in Houston treats pain when nothing else can. This article will discuss all the essential things you need to know about spinal cord stimulation.
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulator and How Does It Work?
Spinal cord stimulators have thin electrodes and a pacemaker. These electrodes are installed between the spinal cord and epidural space. The generator is installed beneath the skin, near the abdomen or buttocks. These simulators allow patients to send electrical energy using a remote control to relieve pain.
Spinal cord stimulation can target multiple muscle groups from the spine and change how the brain senses pain. Traditional stimulators replace the sensation of pain with tingling light, called paresthesia. The new devices offer stimulation that cannot be felt.
What Happens During A Spinal Cord Stimulation?
A small incision is made to place a generator in the upper buttock during spinal cord stimulation. The patient can always turn the current on and off or adjust the intensity of the signals. Some devices have this tingling sensation while others don’t. But the newest devices can change how the brain senses pain.
Various spinal cord stimulators are fully implanted and have a pulse generator. The new devices are rechargeable and can be easily charged through the skin.
Who Is A Candidate?
Evaluation of your medical history, pain history, and physical condition will determine whether you are a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation. A neurosurgeon or a pain specialist will review the previous treatment and surgeries. Severe pain has emotional effects, and a psychologist has to assess your condition to check the possibility of success.
People selected for spinal cord stimulation usually have chronic pain in the arm, leg, or lower back for more than three months.
What To Expect Before Surgery
You will sign a consent form in your doctor’s office so that your surgeon knows your medical history, like bleeding history, allergies, reaction to anesthesia, and previous surgeries. Some tests like chest X-rays and electrocardiograms are done several days before surgery. Consult with your doctor to learn which medications you must stop to ensure you are cleared for surgery.
If your surgeon recommends some medications, you should continue taking them and stop all anti-inflammatory medicines and blood thinners seven days before surgery. Also, stop drinking alcohol one week before surgery to avoid bleeding. Your surgeon can instruct you to wash your skin with dial soap or Hibiclens to reduce site infections and kill bacteria.
Using spinal cord stimulation is a different experience compared with other pain management medications. Learning more about spinal cord therapy can guide a person to decide which option is the best to relieve chronic pain in the back, legs, and neck. To learn more about spinal cord stimulation, contact Expert Pain TM today.
