Spinal Cord Stimulation

May 27, 2016

Do you have ongoing neck or back pain? Any type of spinal pain can be a major hindrance on your daily activities, but there are ways you can improve your quality of life. Spinal Cord Stimulation may be the answer you’re looking for. So what is Spinal Cord Stimulation, what goes into the procedure, and is Spinal Cord Stimulation for you?

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

a. First and foremost, Spinal Cord Stimulation is done to alleviate spinal pain.

a. Electrodes are inserted into the epidural space of the spinal canal.

b. Electric pulses from placed electrodes intercept the pain impulses and create a sensation feeling blocking the pain.

c. This is done by a small battery being implanted into the hip/side/buttock area to along with the area where the affected nerves attach to the spinal cord power the electrodes.

Who is Spinal Cord Stimulation For?

a. Patients with radicular pain or any neuropathic pain. This can mean any pain that starts in your spine and radiates to any of your lower extremities. This is normally caused by spinal compression, inflammation, or injury to the spinal nerves.

b. Amputees with Phantom Pain.

c. Patients with RSD or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. A Disorder characterized by chronic extremity pain after a heart attack, stroke, trauma, or surgery.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation

This procedure takes place in two parts:

i. The Trial

  1. The Trial is totally reversible and can last 3 to 7 days.
  2. It is an outpatient procedure, so the patient goes home the same day.
  3. Patient can resume normal activity for the week with the absence of showering or getting the site wet.
  4. This allows the patient to try the implantable electrodes and determine the amount of pain relief they will experience; generally will not move forward with procedure unless the patient experiences at least 50% pain relief.

ii. The Permanent Implant

  1. This is also an outpatient procedure.
  2. Patient will go home day of the procedure.
  3. Refrain from bending, lifting and twisting for approximately 6-8 weeks.
  4. A back brace is provided for the patient to assist with immobilization.

Southside Pain Specialists – Spinal Cord Stimulation Experience

a. Dr. Kendrick has performed over 1,000 procedures.

  • He is a consultant/speaker/teacher for Boston Scientific neuromodulation division.

b. Dr. Fulmer has performed over 50 cases.

  • She is trained on both the Boston Scientific and Medtronic systems.

 

If you have any questions about this procedure give us a call at 205.332.3155 or fill out our contact form today.