What is spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is an effective treatment for chronic pain not resolved with other therapies. The treatment involves implanting a stimulator device under the surface of your skin. Leads are attached to the device, which delivers low-voltage currents of electricity to the spinal cord to disrupt pain signals involved in chronic pain.
You can control the delivery of electrical currents to the spinal cord through an external remote, allowing you to address pain as needed.
What’s involved in treatment with a spinal cord stimulator?
Before he permanently implants the stimulator, Dr. Raso relies on a trial period to determine if spinal cord stimulation is right for you. During the trial phase, he implants temporary leads that are controlled by preset, customized settings to deliver the currents of electricity.
If the trial is a success, Dr. Raso performs a minimally invasive surgical procedure to permanently implant the stimulator and leads. This procedure requires mild sedation or general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed.
Dr. Raso places the leads and generator, connecting everything and ensuring it’s working properly before closing your incisions. You need to spend some time in recovery before going home to rest. Before you leave, Dr. Raso ensures you understand how to operate your stimulator to relieve your pain.
Am I a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
To determine if spinal cord stimulation is right for you, Dr. Raso performs a comprehensive physical exam and a thorough review of your personal and family medical histories. He ensures you can tolerate surgery and that existing health issues won’t interfere with the use of your stimulator.
Conditions whose treatment may benefit from the use of spinal cord stimulation include:
- Sciatica
- Spinal cord injury
- Failed back surgery
- Peripheral neuropathy or other nerve damage
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Dr. Raso may suggest other treatments before using spinal cord stimulation, and if your trial phase isn’t successful, he can customize a treatment plan using other therapies to improve your quality of life.
To find out more about the benefits of spinal cord stimulation for relief of chronic pain, call the office to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.
