Are you tired of dealing with chronic nerve and muscle pain? You might be considering spinal cord stimulation as a final option. Before making any decisions, it is essential to research the latest technology available and the successes of other patients who have undergone similar treatments.
The good news is that spinal cord stimulation therapy offers hope for thousands of people all over the world, with major improvements in recent years which make this treatment a more effective option. The newest development in spinal cord stimulation is something everyone should know about and understand before choosing this route as a treatment for pain management.
In this article, I’ll explain the latest advancements in spinal cord stimulation and give you my recommendations on what to consider when deciding if this type of treatment may be right for you.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an exciting new technology used to relieve chronic pain by stimulating nerve fibers that cause pain. It works by using a spinal cord stimulation device that sends electrical pulses to the targeted area in a person’s spine—usually between the neck and lower back. The goal of this electrical or current stimulation is to disrupt and/or block the pain signals from reaching the brain.
Spinal Cord Stimulation uses various medical devices, including those with electrodes at their tips and those with a wire-like electrode called a lead. Both are placed in specific locations along the spine depending on what type of pain is being treated. Pain relief can take up to two weeks, but it usually peaks after two to three months of continued use.
This cutting-edge technology has been proven safe for humans and can be used both as an invasive option or minimally invasive treatment for those with serious or chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, traumatic injury, and fibromyalgia. Spinal Cord Stimulators also have applications in treating certain impairments such as weakness or incoordination caused by stroke or cerebral palsy.
Having your spinal cord stimulated is no easy feat, but if you’re looking for last-hope options regarding persistent pain then SCS could be just what you need!
Types of Stimulator or Spinal Cord Stimulation Devices
Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) are medical devices used to manage chronic pain. They are small, battery-powered devices that produce electrical pulses, which interact with the nerves in our spine to reduce pain and improve mobility.
There are four main types of stimulator spinal cord stimulation devices: traditional low-frequency spinal cord stimulation, burst stimulation, high-frequency SCS, and rechargeable systems.
Traditional low-frequency spinal cord stimulation or simply, Traditional SCS is the oldest type of spinal cord stimulation device. It sends out continuous low-level electrical pulses across the painful areas of your body. While this can be effective for some types of chronic pain, it may not work for others.
Burst Stimulation sends rapid bursts of higher-intensity stimulation that mimic natural nerve activity to the affected area. This can be particularly helpful for those experiencing sudden or intense onset pain that may last only briefly.
High-Frequency SCS is similar to burst stimulation but sends out even shorter bursts of higher-intensity electrical impulses more frequently than burst stimulation does.
Rechargeable Systems or wireless systems can aid in reducing wire replacements and clinic visits because they have longer-lasting batteries and users find them more convenient as they don’t need to go into a clinic every time their stimulator needs recharging or battery replacement.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a technique that employs electrical stimulation used to treat chronic pain, including pain caused by a variety of conditions such as spinal cord injury, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, surgery syndrome, and many more. It has been used for the treatment of chronic back pain, regional pain syndrome, leg pain, and other neuropathic pain.
At its core, SCS works by delivering electrical impulses that stimulate nerve endings near the painful area. These electrical impulses help mask or minimize the sensation of pain. The device which sends the electrical impulses is implanted under the skin – typically around the lower back – and connected to two leads that are surgically placed near affected nerve roots at different levels along the spine.
In addition to masking pain signals, SCS also helps with other processes such as tissue repair and muscle relaxation. It can even help with motor control issues such as spasm reduction and enhanced range of motion. People who use SCS report increased comfort in day-to-day activities such as walking and sleeping.
While this technology is still in its early stages, it already has proven itself to be a valuable tool for managing chronic pain in some cases — providing relief when other treatments have failed.
What are the latest trends in spinal cord stimulation?
The latest advancements in spinal cord stimulation have revolutionized the way medical practitioners and patients manage back and neck pain. With improved technology and greater access to spinal cord stimulators, more people are discovering they can manage persistent pain without the need for invasive procedures.
Recent research shows that spinal cord stimulation in patients has been proven to reduce pain substantially in some patients. In addition, the stimulator allows patients to adjust its settings depending on their level of pain or help combat opioid use disorder by cutting down its necessity in most cases.
Spinal cord stimulators also have an improved programming system that connects directly with a computer so it can be personalized quickly and remotely. This allows healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about how best to treat each patient with advanced capabilities such as two-way communication, remote consultation for specific conditions, and 3D imaging.
In addition, the use of spinal cord stimulation for post-paralysis therapy for people who suffered spinal cord injury or underwent spinal surgeries is also being explored. Although some clinical trials show promising results, further studies are still needed in order to gain more insights into the clinical outcomes of the procedure in this application.
These new advancements in spinal cord stimulation provide greater improvements in quality of life with reduced hospital costs and improved treatment outcomes – making it one of the most promising therapies for reducing chronic pain effectively and safely.
