Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): A Proven Therapy for Pain
Spinal cord stimulation is a medical therapy for people who suffer from certain
types of chronic pain. SCS uses a small implanted device to generate tiny
electrical impulses that replace the feeling of pain with a tingling or
massaging sensation. SCS is not a cure for pain. The objective with this
therapy is to reduce your pain to a manageable level.
Spinal cord stimulation has been identified to be an effective treatment option
for many chronic pain sufferers.1 Each year as many as 50,000
neurostimulators are implanted worldwide, with a majority of them used for SCS.2
Why choose SCS?
Spinal cord stimulation has three advantages:
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Effective in relieving certain types of pain.
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You can try SCS before you have a permanent system placed in your body, so
you'll know if the therapy will work for you.
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The system can be turned off permanently or removed if you don't get the level
of relief you desire.
Making Sure Spinal Cord Stimulation is Right for You
One of the great benefits of spinal cord stimulation therapy is that you can try
it before you have a system permanently placed in your body. A stimulation
trial will enable your doctor to determine if SCS will work for you and what
kind of system you need.
A short outpatient procedure is required during which you'll have a lead (or
leads) placed and connected to a portable external generator (power source).
During the trial—usually a matter of days—you'll test the
stimulation during your normal activities.
The stimulation trial:
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Allows you to try SCS to see if it relieves your pain.
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Helps you and your doctor decide what type of permanent system may be best for
you.
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Many health insurance plans require an SCS trial in order to qualify the system
as a covered benefit.
Will SCS help you?
Spinal cord stimulation is not for everyone, for several reasons:
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Your doctor may want to try less advanced treatment options first, such as pain
medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, or other therapies.
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You may have a type of pain that does not respond well to SCS.
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The best way to find out whether or not SCS can help is to speak to your doctor
about having an SCS trial.
Potential Risks & Complications
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As with any surgical procedure or pain therapy, complications can occur.
Although the risk of complications is low, make sure to discuss all risk
factors and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions, contact us at
866.990.7246.
Related Web Site
- Power Over Your Pain
-
Power Over Your Pain is an educational Web site created by ANS, a St. Jude
Medical company. It provides information about chronic pain and spinal cord
stimulation. Read personal stories of others who are experiencing the positive
benefits of neurostimulation.
-
[www.poweroveryourpain.com]
1 Barolat, G et al. Epidural spinal cord stimulation with multiple
electrode paddle lead is effective in treating intractable low back pain.
Neuromodulation. 2001 Apr;4(2):59-66.
2 Simpson BA. Electrical Stimulation and the Relief of Pain. Boston,
Mass: Elsevier; 2003. Pain Research and Clinical Management, Vol. 15.
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