Chronic Pain? You May Want To Consider Spinal Cord Stimulation
Chronic pain can be incredibly difficult to live with. You may find that pain relief medications don't do enough to manage it, and of course, you don't want to take these meds forever because they can have side effects. Noninvasive protocols like massage therapy and chiropractic care can help for a while, but the effects don't always last as long. A good alternative to consider for long-term pain management is spinal cord stimulation. Keep reading to learn more about this pain management tactic and when it works well.
What is spinal cord stimulation?
Pain signals are sent through your spinal cord. If you are able to intercept the pain signals sent up and down your spinal cord, you can reduce or even eliminate your chronic pain. A spinal cord stimulator is basically a tiny device that your doctor surgically places in your back. It has electrodes that are placed directly on your vertebrae, right by your spinal cord. You're given a remote with a button. When you press the button, the device sends a signal through your spinal cord, which interferes with the pain signals and gives you relief.
What kinds of pain are well managed via spinal cord stimulation?
These devices are effective at managing many different kinds of pain. They can ease back pain or neck pain. They are commonly recommended for people with diabetic neuropathy and pain in the extremities. Some people also have a spinal cord stimulator implanted in order to control post-amputation pain and phantom limb pain. In fibromyalgia patients, a spinal cord stimulator can help with joint and muscle pain that make movement difficult.
Are there any downfalls to spinal cord stimulation for pain relief?
The downside is that having the stimulator inserted is a surgical procedure, and therefore it comes with all of the typical risks associated with surgery. You may experience nausea and vomiting from the anesthesia. There is a risk of infection. Occasionally, people will go through the surgical process and find that the stimulator does not give them much relief after all. Doctors don't always know why this happens. It's rare, but it is a possibility to be aware of when considering spinal cord stimulation.
If you struggle with chronic pain, talk to your doctor about having a spinal cord stimulation device implanted. These devices can be life-changing for people who struggle with ongoing pain and want to be less reliant on pain relievers.
