Neuropathic pain is a condition that occurs when the nervous system becomes damaged or impaired. A possible treatment for individuals suffering from this type of pain is Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). So, what is Spinal Cord Stimulation? And how effective is it as a treatment?
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulators use thin wires (electrodes) and a small, pacemaker-like battery pack (generator) to stimulate the spinal cord. The electrodes are implanted in the epidural space, while the generator is placed under the skin. In the event of pain, patients can send electrical impulses using a remote control.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
Spinal cord stimulation is considered the last option when treating chronic (neuropathic) pain. Meaning that all other options must have been exhausted, including medications and other therapies.
SCS systems have a small implanted pulse generator, called a stimulator, and thin wires called leads that are implanted into the patient’s body. The stimulator delivers tiny pulses of mild electric current through the leads to specific nerves on the spinal cord. These impulses mask pain signals traveling to the brain.
A remote control allows patients to control the strength and intensity of stimulation, targeting different pain areas in the body using settings or programs designed specifically for the patient’s needs. Simply put, the SCS systems don’t rid the body of pain but instead, alter the way the patient’s brain perceives it.
How Effective is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
As mentioned previously, SCS is most often used to treat chronic pain and only as a final option in the event that all other forms of treatment and medication have proven ineffective. With this in mind, the following conditions could qualify for treatment with SCS:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – A condition primarily affecting the limbs. It causes pain, skin discoloration, stiffness and swelling in the joints, sudden changes in nail and hair growth, and decreased function of the affected limbs.
- Chronic Back Pain (Lower Back pain) or Neck Pain – This condition is arguably the most common type of chronic pain experienced by the population. Affecting 619 million and 203 million respectively in the year 2020, with numbers predicted to rise over time.
- Neuropathic Pain – As stated in the introduction, neuropathic pain is a condition that occurs when the nervous system becomes damaged or impaired. The prevalence of individuals suffering from neuropathic pain ranges from 7% to 10%, with numbers increasing to approximately 20% to 30% for people with diabetes.
In Conclusion
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a viable treatment for those experiencing chronic pain, especially those that are categorized as “neuropathic”. SCS allows patients to send electrical impulses to the affected areas when they experience pain. It is considered the last option for treating chronic pain after medications and other therapies have failed.
Studies have shown positive outcomes, with 55.5% of patients experiencing successful outcomes post-treatment. SCS can be used to treat conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Chronic Back Pain (Lower Back pain), and neuropathic pain, which affects 7% to 10% of the population.
Disclaimer
GulfPhysio.com and all of its content are for informational purposes only. All information is believed to be accurate at the time of posting and should NOT be taken as professional medical advice. Please seek a medical professional in the event of pain or injury.
Want to learn more about health, pain management, and disease? Then read our article “Clinical Conditions and Chronic Pain: Updates on the ICD-11”.
