If your every day is a battle against discomfort and nerve-related pain that never seems to fade, spinal cord stimulation may be the lifeline you’ve been searching for. This innovative pain management strategy can help you reclaim your quality of life.
At Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists in Arlington, Virginia, John Huffman, MD, and Talal Ghazal, MD, and the team specialize in helping patients in Northern Virginia who struggle with managing chronic pain.
Spinal cord stimulation offers a drug-free way to help you live with less pain, sleep better, and get back to enjoying your life—even when other recommended therapies haven’t helped. Keep reading to learn more about this innovative treatment and whether it’s right for you.
Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain condition generally associated with tissue injury or nerve damage. This type of pain often persists for three months or longer and can stem from a variety of health conditions, including but not limited to:
Neuropathic pain is often described as a burning or shooting pain. It can sometimes be accompanied by numbness or a “pins and needles”' sensation.
Chronic neuropathic pain is notorious for being resistant to common pain relievers and traditional interventions. This can mean you’re left feeling helpless, stuck, and in pain.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a revolutionary pain management technique that works by intercepting pain signals before they reach your brain. It uses a small device, called a spinal cord stimulator, which is implanted in your body.
The device sends out mild electrical signals to your spinal cord, which scramble and disrupt the pain signals sent from your nerves. The stimulator is implanted in your body during a minimally invasive procedure, and it's controlled by a remote you can adjust based on your pain levels.
The procedure involves placing thin wires, known as leads, in the space surrounding your spinal cord. The leads are connected to a small battery-operated stimulator, implanted beneath the skin, usually in your lower back or abdomen.
It is important to note that SCS does not eliminate the underlying cause of your pain. Instead, it alters the perception of pain by your brain, providing much-needed relief. Many SCS patients report a reduction in pain medication, eliminating the potential side effects from these drugs.
Patients with chronic neuropathic pain unresponsive to other therapies may find spinal cord stimulation beneficial. At Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists, our doctors have a rigorous evaluation process considering your medical history, symptoms, and past treatment outcomes to determine candidacy for SCS.
In addition, we require a successful trial run with a temporary spinal cord stimulator before the implantation of a permanent device. This ensures you get the right treatment for your specific needs.
Our providers are committed to giving each patient comprehensive, individualized care. Your doctor guides you through the trial phase, and reviews the pros and cons of having a permanent SCS placed.
Chronic neuropathic pain doesn’t need to define you! Let the team at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists in Northern Virginia help you find the right solution for your pain. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone now.
