What Are the Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation?

At Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic, we are dedicated to using advanced medical technology to help our patients manage chronic pain. One such method is the use of Spinal Cord Stimulators (SCS), implantable medical devices that manage pain via electrical impulses.

This device, which is surgically implanted beneath the skin, works by sending mild electrical pulses that interrupt pain impulses from the nerves to the brain, dramatically lowering pain experience. The patient can control the intensity and stimulation types with a handheld remote.

The SCS, consisting of a small, battery-powered pulse generator or stimulator, is typically placed under the skin in the lower back or abdomen. It delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord nerves via implanted leads. When activated, it blocks pain signals from reaching the brain, modifies spinal cord activity, and stimulates the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving chemicals.

While the SCS can considerably reduce pain intensity, improve mobility, decrease reliance on pain medication, and enhance the quality of life, it should be noted that it does not eliminate pain. It is most effective when incorporated as part of a comprehensive pain management plan, which may include medication, physiotherapy, and other treatments.

Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic specializes in sophisticated pain management techniques, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS). This innovative medical device is designed to help manage chronic pain by delivering pulsed electrical signals to the spinal cord, effectively interfering with the transmission of pain signals from the spinal cord to the brain.

The SCS is made up of a small, battery-powered pulse generator that is commonly implanted under the skin in the buttocks or belly, as well as a lead cable with electrodes put into the epidural area of the spine. These electrodes deliver the generated electrical pulses to the spinal cord, creating a small electric field around it.

Our expert team at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic can personalize the SCS to each patient’s specific needs. Using a handheld programmer, patients can adjust the power level and modify the characteristics of the electrical pulses. The goal is to cover the pain area with a comfortable tingling sensation known as paresthesia.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain Management, we conduct a trial stimulation before permanently implanting the SCS. This is to determine whether the device will be beneficial for the patient’s pain. Only if the trial proves successful will the patient undergo surgery to implant the permanent device.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic, we specialize in the treatment of chronic pain utilizing advanced methods such as Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). SCS is a proven solution for patients suffering from persistent pain in their back, limbs, and trunk who have not found relief from other treatments. This surgery entails implanting a tiny device under the skin near the spinal cord that administers modest electric currents to nerves, interrupting pain signals sent to the brain.

The success rate of spinal cord stimulators varies, depending on the individual patient and the specific condition it’s used for. Studies have shown that approximately 50% to 80% of patients experience a significant reduction in pain. More specifically, patients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome have seen success rates of 60-70%, those with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome have success rates of 70-80%, and Neuropathic Pain patients have success rates of 50-60%.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic, we understand that the success of spinal cord stimulation isn’t solely defined by pain reduction. We also measure success in terms of improved functionality, reduced reliance on pain medications, improved sleep, and enhanced quality of life.

Several factors can impact the success of spinal cord stimulation, including patient selection, the exact type of pain, the location of the pain, the duration of the pain prior to treatment, and the specific type of spinal cord stimulator used. Our experienced team ensures the precise placement of the device, emphasizes patient compliance, and sets realistic expectations to optimize outcomes.

While spinal cord stimulation may not be suitable or successful for every patient, at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic, we’ve seen how it can provide significant relief from chronic pain and greatly improve the quality of life for many. Therefore, we encourage patients considering this treatment to discuss it thoroughly with our healthcare providers to understand the potential benefits and risks, and to determine the likelihood of success based on their specific situation.

Our experienced team provides advanced treatment options for chronic pain, including Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). This modern technique uses an implantable device to send electrical impulses to the spinal cord or targeted nerves, effectively blocking pain signals from reaching the brain and offering relief from chronic discomfort.

SCS is applied to a range of conditions such as:

● Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): Offers relief for those who suffer from persistent pain after back surgeries.
● Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Beneficial for this chronic condition typically affecting the limbs, especially when traditional pain therapies are insufficient.
● Neuropathic Pain: Effective for pain characterized by sharp or burning sensations due to nerve damage or a dysfunctional nervous system, particularly when resistant to conventional treatments.
● Peripheral Neuropathy: Helps manage symptoms of pain, numbness, and weakness due to peripheral nerve damage.
● Arachnoiditis: Alleviates severe pain and neurological issues caused by inflammation of the arachnoid membrane around the spinal cord.
● Intractable Pain: Useful for managing severe, chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatment efforts for an extended period.

SCS may also show potential benefits for conditions beyond pain relief, such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. However, it’s crucial to note that SCS is not a cure-all and is typically considered a last resort after other treatment options have been exhausted.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic, we are dedicated to helping our patients improve their quality of life by managing their pain effectively. If you think SCS might be a suitable treatment option for you, our healthcare professionals are here to guide you through a comprehensive discussion to ensure you understand the procedure fully and make the best decision for your health. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Suite 301 Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, Sturgis SD, and surrounding areas.