subject: Use of Spinal Cord Stimulators [print this page] Use of Spinal Cord Stimulators Use of Spinal Cord Stimulators
Back pain is a relentless issue that plagues thousands of people on a daily basis. While some can find relief in surgery, others require further treatment. Some are simply afraid to go under the knife while others have and as a result saw little relief. Spinal Cord Stimulations offer reprieve to patients with back pain, through a series of minimally invasive treatments, or even more permanent solutions.
Pain management specialists, who practice what is known as algiartry, are doctors that treat pain through minimally invasive procedures that aim to be an alternative to surgery. These solutions can range from physical therapy, to injections, to dietary changes and supplements. Also included are surgical procedures that aim at specifically targeting the pain.Spinal Cord Stimulation relieves pain through a series of electrode stimulation in the spine. It was found that electrodes that are placed in the spinal canal via a needle can help alleviate pain as they stimulate column fibres. Doing this inhibits the transmission of pain within the spinalhorns, easing back pain. Studies have found upwards of a 70% success rate in decreasing pain, improvement of daily function, and a decreased dependency on pain relieving medication.
Permanent implants of stimulators can remain powerful for up to 7 years, depending on electric settings of the device. Permanent implants depend on the severity of the pain and the patient's response to previous spine related treatments. Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBBS) is one of the instances in which back surgery does not alleviate pain and spinal cord stimulation is implemented. Dr. Hilary Fausett has been working with spinal cord stimulation and other pain management practices for over 15 years. To learn more about what Dr. Fausett can do for you, visit her website at http://www.pain.pro.
References:
Costantini A. Spinal Cord Stimulation. [Abstract] Unit of Physiopathology and Therapy of Pain, SS. Annunziata Hospital, and Department of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy. amedeocostantini@tiscalinet.i. Minerva Anestesiol. 2005 Jul-Aug;71(7-8):471-4. Accessed February 25, 2011. PMID:16012421
Fukazawa K, Hosokawa T. Spinal Cord Stimulation. [Abstract] Department of Pain Treatment and Palliative Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566. Accessed February 25, 2011. PMID:19928506.
Stojanovic MP, Abdi S. Spinal Cord Stimulation. [Abstract] Interventional Pain Program, MGH Pain Center, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02135, USA. Pain Physician. 2002 Jul;5(3):341 Accessed February 25, 2011. PMID:16902666
