Chronic pain is a big issue for many people. If it is a substantial amount of pain, it can be difficult to move and function every day, particularly if it is located in the limbs, back, or neck areas. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain has become a widely used treatment for sufferers who have not found relief from other treatments.
Also called neurostimulation therapy, SCS has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration since 1989. Although SCS does not provide relief for every patient, there is a success rate of about 50% to 70%. Most patients have a noted reduction in the severity of pain experienced and increase in overall mobility and quality of life.
Neurostimulation is the term used when referring to SCS, but it is actually a category that groups two therapy types together. SCS is one and PNFS, Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation, is the second. Although both methods are quite similar because they use electrical currents to trick the brain, the mode of delivery is different. SCS involves inserting small wires with nodes on the end into the skin close to the spine. A generator unit is programmed and the intensity and area of the electrical currents that travel through the wires.
A remote controls the generator and its functions. It can be programmed to be able to change the strength of the current and the area that receives the current. Through the remote, the system can be turned on or off as needed. The programmable settings allow the system to be customized to each individual patient.
SCS has been successful in alleviating several conditions. If you have already had surgery or multiple surgeries but are still suffering, this neurostimulation may help. Ideal candidates also include patients who have unrelenting pain in the neck or back that may or may not be accompanied by leg or arm pain. Patients with peripheral vascular disease or peripheral neuropathy are also candidates for SCS.
This stimulation should not be used by women who are nursing or pregnant. It should also be avoided by patients with any form of internal cardiac pieces, such as a pacemaker. SCS is not recommended for people who have had a negative response to transcutaneous electrostimulation therapy or the trial stimulation period.
When you and your doctor have decided to start SCS therapy, a trial stimulation period is done first to determine if the therapy will be helpful. The trial period usually lasts at least a week. A trial stimulation system is temporary and is installed as an outpatient visit. Nodes are inserted under the skin on one end and are attached at the other end to a small portable external generator that is pre-programmed with various settings that are used to help the patient and doctor determine which pattern and intensity are the most beneficial.
Also called neurostimulation therapy, SCS has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration since 1989. Although SCS does not provide relief for every patient, there is a success rate of about 50% to 70%. Most patients have a noted reduction in the severity of pain experienced and increase in overall mobility and quality of life.
Neurostimulation is the term used when referring to SCS, but it is actually a category that groups two therapy types together. SCS is one and PNFS, Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation, is the second. Although both methods are quite similar because they use electrical currents to trick the brain, the mode of delivery is different. SCS involves inserting small wires with nodes on the end into the skin close to the spine. A generator unit is programmed and the intensity and area of the electrical currents that travel through the wires.
A remote controls the generator and its functions. It can be programmed to be able to change the strength of the current and the area that receives the current. Through the remote, the system can be turned on or off as needed. The programmable settings allow the system to be customized to each individual patient.
SCS has been successful in alleviating several conditions. If you have already had surgery or multiple surgeries but are still suffering, this neurostimulation may help. Ideal candidates also include patients who have unrelenting pain in the neck or back that may or may not be accompanied by leg or arm pain. Patients with peripheral vascular disease or peripheral neuropathy are also candidates for SCS.
This stimulation should not be used by women who are nursing or pregnant. It should also be avoided by patients with any form of internal cardiac pieces, such as a pacemaker. SCS is not recommended for people who have had a negative response to transcutaneous electrostimulation therapy or the trial stimulation period.
When you and your doctor have decided to start SCS therapy, a trial stimulation period is done first to determine if the therapy will be helpful. The trial period usually lasts at least a week. A trial stimulation system is temporary and is installed as an outpatient visit. Nodes are inserted under the skin on one end and are attached at the other end to a small portable external generator that is pre-programmed with various settings that are used to help the patient and doctor determine which pattern and intensity are the most beneficial.
About the Author:
Neil P. Hines is passionate about providing intelligent, unbiased and highly relevant medical information for people dealing with a wide range of pain conditions and related orthopedic needs, including back pain, knee pain, joint replacements, sports medicine, lumbar fusion and more. If you are interested in learning more about spinal cord stimulation PA he recommends that you visit his friends at St. Mary Medical Center.
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