Living with severe, chronic pain can place significant strain on both the body and mind. For individuals whose pain has not responded to other treatments, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a potential opportunity for relief. By utilizing a small implanted device that emits targeted electrical pulses, SCS creates a pathway to managing pain more effectively. To better understand how this procedure works, explore its process and the mechanisms that make it a viable option for some patients grappling with persistent pain:
Patients Undergo a Trial Run
Before committing to spinal cord stimulation as a long-term solution, patients will often start with a trial run. This preliminary stage allows them and their healthcare provider to determine whether the therapy will provide meaningful relief. During the trial, temporary electrodes are positioned near the spinal cord. These electrodes are connected to an external stimulator, which generates the electrical pulses necessary for pain management.
The goal of this test period is twofold: First, it allows the patient to assess whether the tingling sensation produced by the device suits their preferences. Second, it helps gauge whether there’s noticeable improvement in their pain levels. If both outcomes are positive, the patient may choose to move forward with the next stage of the treatment.
Small Implanted Mechanism Delivers Pulses
For patients who proceed beyond the trial phase, a minimally invasive procedure is used to place a permanent spinal cord stimulator device. This system typically involves two primary components, an implanted pulse generator (IPG) and electrodes. The pulse generator, about the size of a matchbox, is inserted beneath the skin, often in the lower back region.
Thin, flexible wires attached to the IPG are carefully positioned along the spinal cord. These electrodes deliver precise electrical pulses, which are generated and controlled by the implanted device. Depending on the design, some systems allow patients to adjust the stimulation settings using a remote control or mobile application. Because the device is small, patients can usually go about their daily activities comfortably without interference from the implanted mechanism.
Pulses Disrupt Pain Signals
Spinal cord stimulation primarily works by interrupting the pathway that allows pain signals to travel from the body to the brain. Usually, these signals are transmitted through the spinal cord and eventually reach the brain, where they are interpreted as pain sensations. When the SCS device is active, it sends low-level electrical pulses to specific areas of the spinal cord. These pulses act to modulate the nerve activity in the region, preventing pain signals from reaching their intended destination.
Patients Feel Tingling Sensation Instead of Severe Pain
Rather than experiencing intense pain, patients using spinal cord stimulation often report feeling a different sensation altogether. Typically described as a gentle tingling, or “paresthesia.” This new sensation replaces the chronic pain symptoms. For some, this shift can make daily activities feel significantly more manageable. Modern SCS systems offer various customization options. These can include adjustments in frequency and pulse patterns, which can provide a more tailored experience.
Explore Spinal Cord Stimulation Options
Spinal cord stimulation represents a fascinating advancement in the field of pain management. By harnessing small bursts of electricity to interrupt pain signals along the spinal cord, this innovative therapy offers a potential pathway to restored functionality and relief. For those who are exploring new ways to address chronic pain, this procedure may be one approach worth discussing. While the process involves several steps, it ultimately aims to replace severe pain with a more tolerable sensation. If you’re curious about SCS or would like to know whether it’s right for your situation, connect with a healthcare provider specializing in pain management.