Also called neurostimulation therapy, SCS has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration since 1989. Although SCS does not provide relief for every patient, there is a success rate of about 50% to 70%. Most patients have a noted reduction in the severity of pain experienced and increase in overall mobility and quality of life.
Neurostimulation is a term that is loosely used to describe SCS, but it is actually a category used to group two forms of neurostimulation. This group includes SCS and Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation (PNFS). Both of these neurostimulation treatments are similar because they rely on electrical stimulation to block the body's response to pain, but the mode of delivery is different. SCS uses very thin wires with electrical nodes on the tips. These wires are set in place by using a needle to insert them through the skin and close to the spinal column. A small incision is made in the abdomen or upper buttock are to insert a very thin generator under the skin. This generator sends the electric currents to the wires placed near the spinal column.
A remote control is used to operate the generator. It gives the patient the ability to cycle through the programmed settings and turn the system on and off. Settings are determined by the doctor based on the patient's pain, its primary location, and other needs.
SCS has been successful in alleviating several conditions. If you have already had surgery or multiple surgeries but are still suffering, this neurostimulation may help. Ideal candidates also include patients who have unrelenting pain in the neck or back that may or may not be accompanied by leg or arm pain. Patients with peripheral vascular disease or peripheral neuropathy are also candidates for SCS.
SCS has contraindications for some conditions. For example, patients who are pregnant, nursing, or who have a systemic infection will not be candidates. Patients who have a pacemaker or any other type of internal cardiac device cannot undergo this treatment. Additionally, if a patient has had discomfort while using a transcutaneous electrostimulation (TENS) unit or who have not experienced at least a fifty percent reduction in pain during the trial stimulation, SCS is not advised.
The trial stimulation occurs after SCS therapy has been decided, and lasts about a week. It has the sole purpose in helping the doctor determine if SCS therapy will be beneficial. As an outpatient procedure, a temporary system is attached. The wires are placed under the skin and a portable generator is strapped to the body. This generator is about the size of a cell phone and has pre-programmed settings that help the doctor determine the range of settings that help the doctor determine the range of settings that will be the most helpful with the SCS system.
Neil P. Hines is passionate about providing intelligent, unbiased and highly relevant medical information for people dealing with a wide range of pain conditions and related orthopedic needs, including back pain, knee pain, joint replacements, sports medicine, lumbar fusion and more. If you are interested in learning more about <a href="http://www.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Guide To Spinal Cord Stimulation For Chronic Pain
Author: Neil P. Hines
Email: rafael.e.zabala@gmail.com
Keywords: spinal cord stimulator,spinal cord stimulation therapy,spinal cord stimulator surgery,spinal cord stimulation surgery,spinal cord stimulation procedure,cervical spinal cord stimulator,spinal cord injury,spinal cord injuries,c5 spinal cord injury,c6 spinal cord injury
Word Count: 517
Category: Health & Fitness
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