Spinal Cord Stimulator In Laguna Hills, CA | Chronic Pain Treatment with Andrew messiha md
Andrew H. Messiha, MD, Double Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Laguna Hills, CA / Spinal Cord Stimulator
What is a spinal cord stimulator ?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a medical device that transmits mild electrical impulses to targeted nerves in the spinal cord to manage severe and chronic pain. These impulses modify pain signals before they reach the brain. Effectively reducing the sensation of pain without the side effects of medication such as opioid painkillers. This stimulation can be adjusted based on the patient’s pain level making it effective for relieving pain in various areas of the body.
Indication for spinal cord stimulator
A Doctor recommends a spinal cord stimulator ( SCS) to patients suffering from chronic back or leg pain, that is not commonly treated with conservative treatments or previous surgeries. Chronic nerve irritation such as from scar tissue formation, failed back surgery syndrome, or inflammatory conditions like arachnoiditis can continue to generate pain signals even if the main cause is unidentified. When a pain management specialist determines that further surgery is unlikely to reduce pain. So a spinal cord stimulator may be advised, this therapy helps interrupt pain signaling, and helps for long term pain relief for many patients.
Good candidate for spinal cord stimulation
A candidate for SCS has chronic severe neuropathic or ischemic pain that has not responded to opioid painkillers or other conservative treatments.
Conditions are treated with a spinal cord stimulator
Treated Conditions are:
- Chronic Back Pain—Helps reduce chronic lower and upper spinal pain by blocking pain signals.
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)—Some pain that continues even after back pain surgery.
- Neck Pain—Ease ongoing neck pain by adjusting abnormal nerve signals.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome—helps regulate severe, burning limb pain caused by nerve disorder.
- Peripheral Neuropathy—helps in reducing burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet from nerve damage.
- Post-Surgical Pain—After some surgeries a pain stays long-lasting; it helps to reduce that.
- Sciatica—sharp leg pain caused by irritated
- Degenerative Disc Disease—lessens pain from worn spinal discs and improves movement.
- Facet Joint Pain—Reduces pain from irritated spinal joints.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedure
A spinal cord stimulator has two steps: first is a trial phase, and if successful, a permanent implantation.
Trial Phase procedure:
- During the trial phase procedure, thin leads are placed while the patient is awake so that the doctor can check that the stimulation reaches the right spot and provides pain relief.
- After a successful trial, a permanent implant is placed a few days later.
- Permanent leads may be inserted in two ways.
- Percutaneous leads: placed through the skin with a needle
- Paddle leads: placed through a small incision after removing a small part of bone for better stability
Spinal cord stimulator trial recovery time
Recovery depends on the patient’s condition; most patients recover quickly after the trial. some may have mild soreness for 1-2 days, but can usually return to light activities within 24 hours. The trial lasts 3-7 days, during which the patient tracks how much pain relief they have experienced before deciding on a permanent implant.
Benefits of spinal cord stimulator
- Reduces the need for pain medications such as opioid.
- Provides long-term pain relief
- Improves daily function and mobility
- Soon patients return to normal activities more comfortably.
- Offers adjustable, personalized pain control.
- Minimally invasive and reversible treatment option.
- Helps in improving sleep and overall quality of life.
Risks of spinal cord stimulator
Spinal cord stimulator risks are generally low, but rare complications may include infection, bleeding (hematoma), nerve damage, spinal cord injury, paralysis, and very rarely, death.
Cost Of spinal cord stimulator In USA
A spinal cord stimulator an average cost $30,000 to over $80,000 and trials were tens of thousands of dollars. Those of us who are lucky enough to have insurance, even if that’s Medicare only, take comfort in knowing our $30-60k-dollar costs will be smaller (but not cheap) thanks to deductibles. Uninsured patients pay more, and annual maintenance can cost between $5,000 – $22,000. times even hospital, location.
FAQ
1. Do spinal cord stimulators (SCS) really work?
Yes, SCS is effective for many patients who are suffering from chronic pain.
2. What is the next step if a spinal cord stimulator does not work?
If a spinal cord stimulator does not work, the doctor might recommend alternative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or other interventional procedures.
3. What is the success rate of spinal cord stimulators?
Most patients experience 50-70% pain reduction with a spinal cord stimulator, though results vary based on the conditions and individual response.
4. Spinal cord stimulator permanent restrictions
Avoid heavy lifting, bending, twisting, and high-impact activities for several weeks after implantation to allow proper healing.