Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

Chronic pain can significantly impact your quality of life, and if it’s spinal, then it may also lead to serious problems. The reason is that the spine is one of the body’s main structural elements. Hence, a problem with the spine can limit your ability to perform daily activities and affect your mental well-being.

That’s why you must seek proper treatment for spine or lower body pain. Yes, sometimes lower body pain can also occur due to spinal conditions. Most of the spinal conditions can be treated without any surgery. But, when other treatment options fail to provide relief, spinal cord stimulator implantation offers a breakthrough solution.

At Axis Clinics, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures like spinal cord stimulator implantation, providing a safe and effective way to manage chronic pain. Let us guide you through this transformative procedure.

What is Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation?

Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small device to deliver mild electrical signals to the spinal cord. These signals block pain signals from reaching the brain, reducing chronic pain and improving mobility.

In this treatment, the device is used, which has electrodes or wires to deliver the current and a generator or battery to get the current. While the technology is not new, the devices being used now help make it a minimally invasive process.

Moreover, to ensure the treatment will be effective for the patient, a trial is also done with a trial stimulator, which remains outside the body for a week. Only when the results are found to be at least.

This advanced treatment is often recommended for patients who have not experienced relief from medications, physical therapy, or other conservative methods and surgical interventions. In a way, it could be considered as a last chance to reduce the experience of pain.

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation?

SCS is primarily for back and other spine-related pain, but it can occur for various reasons. Here are some of the conditions where spinal pain is evident and SCS implantation can be used:

  • Chronic Back Pain: If there’s persistent pain that shows no signs of fading, even after medications and surgical interventions, then SCS can be used. 
  • Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): If you had surgery in the past and there’s pain that persists even after spinal surgery, it can be used to get rid of the pain. 
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A painful condition affecting a limb, often following injury or surgery.
  • Neuropathy: It is a severe nerve pain caused by conditions like diabetes or nerve damage. Due to the lack of a permanent solution, SCS is one of the best ways to deal with neuropathy.
  • Spinal Stenosis: It is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, leading to pain and discomfort due to nerve compression.

How Does Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation Work?

Before implantation, a trial procedure is performed to test the effectiveness of the stimulator. While everything remains the same as the permanent implantation, the device is called a trial stimulator, meaning the patient can’t move with the device. It lasts a week before the permanent implantation is done if it is effective. Once the trial is successful, a permanent device is implanted.

To do so, the temporary leads are taken out, and the permanent ones are placed in the exact location where the temporary wires were most effective. Moreover, the generator is also put inside the body, mainly near the lower back. It is placed just below the skin and does not cause significant tissue disruption.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

No Dependency on Medicines

After the implantation, the patient doesn’t need to rely on pain medications anymore.

Minimally Invasive

The SCS devices that are currently used can be implanted through smaller incisions. Hence, recovery occurs after the patient experiences no pain due to surgery.

Instant Relief and Easy to Remove

It helps to get instant relief from pain, and if it doesn’t work for you during the trial phase, it can easily be removed.

Patient Journey: How the Process Works at Axis Clinics

Preparation and Trial Implantation

It starts with a consultation with our doctor, during which our doctor evaluates your medical history and determines if you are a candidate for spinal cord stimulator implantation. It is essential to know if it can be successful or not. Moreover, to better understand the effectiveness, the trial implant is done, which takes a week of observation before finalizing the treatment.

Permanent Implantation

Once the trial is successful, our skilled surgeons perform the permanent implantation with precision and care. An experienced doctor like those at Axis Clinics plays a crucial role in implantation as the results can vary by a fraction of an inch. The doctor places the wire and then implants the rest of the device close to the flank. Lastly, the incisions are stitched, and recovery starts.

Recovery and Follow-Up

While it is a minimally invasive surgery and doesn’t require a lot of post-treatment care, our team may monitor your recovery and adjust the stimulator settings as needed to ensure optimal pain management. It is crucial for the best results for a more extended period.

Conclusion

Spinal cord stimulator implantation is a game-changer in managing chronic pain. By choosing Axis Clinics, you are opting for a safe, minimally invasive solution tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The procedure is minimally invasive and performed under anesthesia, so patients typically do not feel any pain during implantation.

Recovery is relatively quick, and most patients can resume light activities within a few days. Full recovery may take a few weeks.

Yes, the stimulator is programmable, allowing adjustments to suit your pain management needs.

While the device can be used long-term, it is reversible and can be removed if necessary.

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