Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator Right for Your Chronic Nerve Pain?
Several people suffer from chronic nerve pain longer than they should. According to a study published in the journal Pain, the estimated prevalence of nerve pain in the U.S. ranges from 6.9% to 10%. This pain feels like burning, shooting, or an electric shock, and it can persist for 12 weeks or more.
In most cases, chronic nerve pain stems from spinal issues such as failed back surgeries or sciatica. While some individuals turn to medications or physical therapy for relief, these options provide only a brief reprieve from the discomfort.
If you also have been trying treatment after treatment but haven’t been able to find relief, then you must explore spinal cord stimulators for nerve pain. Rather than masking the pain, it targets the source of the pain.
Our specialty at Advanced Pain Care is using cutting-edge treatments, such as spinal cord stimulators, to help patients achieve long-term relief. Let us guide you on what a spinal cord stimulator is and how it works, and help you determine whether it is the right treatment option for you.
What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator implant is a small medical device that a doctor places under your skin to send gentle electrical signals to your spinal cord. These signals disrupt pain messages before they reach the brain, so the pain feels less intense, or you may not feel it at all.
Doctors usually suggest spinal cord stimulators when the other common treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or nerve blocks, are not providing long-term relief. It is the best treatment option for individuals struggling with chronic nerve pain caused by failed back surgery syndrome, sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or diabetic neuropathy.
How Does a Spinal Cord Stimulator Work?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) lowers the feeling of pain by cutting off the pain signals on their way to your brain. It does this by sending mild electrical pulses through thin wires placed near the spinal cord that are controlled by a small device implanted under the skin, usually in the lower back or abdomen. Instead of feeling sharp, burning, or shooting pain, many people feel a gentle tingling sensation or nothing at all.
A pain management clinic typically follows two main phases when using a spinal cord stimulator:
1. Trial Phase (Temporary Use):
First comes the trial phase, in which a temporary stimulator is placed outside the body, and wires are inserted near the spinal cord. Doctors may run this trial for about 5–7 days and help determine if the treatment works. If it provides good relief (often defined as at least a 50% reduction in pain), you may move on to the next permanent phase.
2. Permanent Implant:
In the permanent implantation phase, a small device is surgically implanted under the skin, and sterile electrodes are used in place of trial electrodes. You also get a portable remote control to change the stimulation levels according to your activity and comfort level.
Spinal Cord Stimulation vs. Permanent Nerve Block
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and permanent nerve block are two advanced treatments for chronic nerve pain, but they serve different purposes.
- SCS sends gentle electrical pulses to interrupt the pain messages heading to your brain. It’s particularly helpful for nerve-related pain like failed back surgery syndrome or sciatica. The device is designed for flexibility, allowing adjustments or removal without harming your nerves.
- Permanent nerve blocks for back pain or other chronic conditions involve destroying the targeted nerves with radiofrequency or chemicals. The procedure is generally applied for localized or specific pain areas and can provide relief for months. Yet, in some instances, nerves can regenerate, and the pain might reappear.
Which treatment suits which type of back pain?
Nerve blocks are better suited for specific, localized issues, while SCS is typically used for complex or widespread pain. A pain specialist may advise which method is most appropriate according to your pain type and the response you’ve had to other treatments.
When to See a Spinal Cord Stimulator Doctor Near You
If medication, physical therapy, or injections are not providing you any relief, then it’s time to look for “spinal cord stimulator doctors near me” or “pain management specialists near me.” It’s better to select someone who thoroughly knows this treatment, so search for a specialist who is board-certified in pain management or neuromodulation with experience in this particular procedure.
Benefits of Visiting a Pain Care or Management Clinic
Visiting a dedicated pain care clinic has added benefits. These clinics often offer multidisciplinary teams, including anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation experts to provide holistic care. You’ll have access to personalized treatment plans and advanced procedures like spinal cord stimulation for low back pain and other types of chronic nerve pain, all under one roof.
Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Right for You? Find Out at Advanced Pain Care
Trying out treatments like medications or injections might not be enough to ease chronic nerve pain, especially nerve pain in the back. Even if they work, the result won’t last a long time, and you will be back to the same condition again. Rather than bearing the pain or trying short-term pain relief solutions, consult an experienced doctor for spinal cord stimulator implant treatment.
At Advanced Pain Care, we have board-certified pain specialists to help you determine if spinal cord stimulation is right for you. We offer customized care plans, access to the latest technology, and a supportive environment that helps you with long-term pain relief.
Medical Editorial Team
This content has been medically reviewed by the Advanced Pain Care Medical Editorial Team, comprising board-certified physicians and clinical experts in pain management. Our editorial team adheres to strict standards of medical accuracy, ensuring that all information is evidence-based, up to date, and reflective of current best practices in patient care.
