Are You a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is commonly used to treat chronic back, neck, arm or leg pain. A spinal cord stimulator is placed under the skin and sends a mild electric current to the spinal cord to disrupt the nerves in the area where the pain is felt.

Spinal cord stimulation

If you suffer from one (or more) of these conditions, you may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation:

• Acute, chronic or neuropathic back pain – This condition may or may not be combined with leg pain
• Arachnoiditis – Painful inflammation and scarring of the protective layers of the spinal nerves
• Chronic neck pain – This condition may or may not be combined with arm pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome – Characterized by severe pain and swelling, this condition is a chronic progressive disease
• Peripheral neuropathy – Weakness, numbness and a constant burning pain caused by nerve damage, most commonly occurring in the hands and feet
• Refractory angina – Debilitating chest pain, despite being on a prescribed medication 

Spinal cord stimulation for cancer pain

Spinal cord stimulation may help alleviate the chronic pain associated with many types of cancer. This is especially true for patients who are unable to undergo other treatments due to age or overall health. Cancer patients suffering from chronic pain may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation if they:

• Are well enough to have the implant surgery
• Do not have a bleeding disorder (from either disease or drugs) that effects clotting
• Have had persistent and severe cancer pain for at least three months
• Do not have an electromagnetic device implanted in the body

When is spinal cord stimulation not recommended?

It is important to remember that spinal cord stimulation is not for everyone. This type of therapy is typically not recommended for people with:

• A systemic infection, like the flu
• A skin infection at the site where the device would be implanted
• A demand-type cardiac pacemaker that monitors heart rhythm
• A psychiatric condition that could be contributing to the pain (e.g., severe depression)
• Untreated bleeding disorders
• Untreated drug addiction issues

Chronic pain isn’t normal and you shouldn’t have to live with it. The skilled pain care specialists at The Pain Treatment Center have over 20 years of experience alleviating chronic back, neck, arm and leg pain. Contact us at 601-268-8698 to learn how spinal cord stimulation in South Mississippi may help improve the quality of your life.