Spinal cord stimulation therapy is a treatment option for chronic pain in The Woodlands, Texas. This is from conditions such as back or neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, failed back surgery syndrome, or other types of chronic pain that have been resistant to other treatments. In this type of therapy, an electrode is implanted near your spinal cord, which sends electrical pulses through your body that block the transmission of pain signals from reaching your brain. These electrical impulses are regulated by a battery-powered stimulator placed under your skin in another location on your body. Who can benefit from a specialist in spinal cord stimulation in The Woodlands, TX?
Anyone With Back Pain
In the United States, the most common use for spinal cord stimulation is to treat chronic back or leg pain. In fact, in Europe, it has been used for over 25 years, but in the US only has been approved since 1997. Tens of thousands of people have benefitted from this therapy and have been able to return to a more productive life without relying on addictive painkillers.
Having Postsurgical Pain
If you are experiencing post-operative pain, you can do a few things to make your experience more comfortable. First, make sure to follow your doctor’s orders carefully. This includes taking any prescribed medications and following any dietary restrictions. You should also avoid strenuous activity and get as much rest as possible.
If your pain is severe, you may need to take prescription opioids or other pain medications. However, it is essential to note that these medications can be addictive and should be taken only as prescribed by your doctor. There are also several non-drug treatments for post-operative pain, such as spinal cord stimulation therapy or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
If You Have Nerve Pain (neuropathy)
For those suffering from nerve pain or neuropathy, spinal cord stimulation can be a vital tool in regaining control of your life through improved quality of life. The condition is often caused by damage to the peripheral nerves (outside the spinal cord and brain), responsible for relaying sensory information (such as sensory information regarding pain) to the spinal cord and brain. The damage may occur due to several factors such as:
- Diabetes
- Injury
- Infection (such as shingles)
- Cancer
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(CRPS)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition characterized by severe pain, swelling, and changes in the skin. CRPS most often affects one of your limbs (arms, legs, hands, or feet); however, it has been known to affect both sides of the body.
The precise cause for CRPS isn’t known, but it may develop after an injury or a nerve problem. The pain and swelling usually worsen, then improve over time despite not receiving treatment.
Chronic pain can have a devastating impact on one’s life, making even the simplest tasks difficult. If you live with chronic pain from any of the conditions listed above, spinal cord stimulation may be a treatment option worth exploring. This therapy involves implanting an electrode near your spine, which sends electrical pulses through your body that block the transmission of pain signals from reaching your brain. Seeking help from an interventional pain specialist is crucial.
