Chronic pain is like a dark cloud hovering over your days, constantly threatening worsened discomfort and lost mobility. Over time, you may find yourself holding back from activities you used to love, or struggling to fall asleep even after an exhausting day.
When you’ve struggled with chronic pain for months or even years, it can be hard to have hope that relief is possible. But, with modern techniques like spinal cord stimulation, we can get you on the path to life after chronic pain.
Read on to learn more about spinal cord stimulation and how it can alleviate chronic pain.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation, or SCS, is an available treatment option for chronic pain that can’t be cured with other non-surgical methods. The stimulator involves electrodes and a generator. The electrodes are positioned in the epidural space (the area between the vertebrae and spinal cord) and the generator is positioned under the skin.
How Does it Work?
With spinal cord stimulation, the generator sends mild electrical impulses to the electrodes. This blocks or modifies pain signals before they reach the brain. As a result, the patient’s chronic pain is reduced or eliminated.
Spinal cord stimulators are placed in an outpatient procedure with imaging guidance by a trained, qualified spinal surgeon, like Dr. Higgins at Hernando Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
You may be a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation if you haven’t experienced significant pain relief with other methods, like physical therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, or previous surgeries. SCS can be used to manage a variety of chronic pain conditions, including:
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Post-surgical pain
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neuropathy
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Arachnoiditis
Dr. Higgins can help determine if spinal cord stimulation is the right choice for your chronic pain in Florida. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment!