OVERVIEW
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a pain-relief technique that delivers a low-voltage electrical current continuously to the spinal cord to block the sensation of pain. SCS is the most commonly used implantable neurostimulator treatment for the management of chronic pain of the trunk and limbs (back, legs and arms).
Chronic pain is long standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or that accompanies a chronic health condition. Because this pain is not protective and is not a result of an ongoing injury, it is referred to as "pathological" and is therefore treated as a condition, not as a symptom. Chronic pain may prevent people from working, eating properly, participating in physical activity or enjoying Life.
WHAT IS A SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR?
A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) is a device surgically placed under the skin that sends mild electric current to the spinal cord. A small wire carries the current from a pulse generator to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. This pulse generator, when turned on, stimulates the nerves in the area where your pain is felt. These electrical impulses disrupt the pain signal from your spinal cord, modifying and masking the pain signals reaching your brain, and pain is reduced.
Table of Contents
- What is chronic pain?
- What is a spinal cord stimulator?
- How long does it take for the procedure to work?
- What are the risks and side effects?
- Will the procedure be painful?
- How is the procedure performed?
- What patients are candidates for spinal cord stimulation?
- The purpose of spinal cord stimulation
Table of Contents
- What is chronic pain?
- What is a spinal cord stimulator?
- How long does it take for the procedure to work?
- What are the risks and side effects?
- Will the procedure be painful?
- How is the procedure performed?
- What patients are candidates for spinal cord stimulation?
- The purpose of spinal cord stimulation
OVERVIEW
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a pain-relief technique that delivers a low-voltage electrical current continuously to the spinal cord to block the sensation of pain. SCS is the most commonly used implantable neurostimulator treatment for the management of chronic pain of the trunk and limbs (back, legs and arms).
Chronic pain is long standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or that accompanies a chronic health condition. Because this pain is not protective and is not a result of an ongoing injury, it is referred to as "pathological" and is therefore treated as a condition, not as a symptom. Chronic pain may prevent people from working, eating properly, participating in physical activity or enjoying Life.
WHAT IS A SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR?
A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) is a device surgically placed under the skin that sends mild electric current to the spinal cord. A small wire carries the current from a pulse generator to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. This pulse generator, when turned on, stimulates the nerves in the area where your pain is felt. These electrical impulses disrupt the pain signal from your spinal cord, modifying and masking the pain signals reaching your brain, and pain is reduced.