Reasons Why You Should Consider Spinal Cord Stimulation
Chronic pain is a widely spread condition that weighs negatively on people’s lives. Finding effective treatment can be quite tricky if you suffer from chronic pain. If your pain is unrelenting, you should consider spinal cord stimulation. For Livingston spinal cord stimulation, contact the specialists of Samwell Institute for Pain Management. Double board-certified pain management specialist, Jay M. Shah, leads a proficient panel of providers in offering numerous treatments to manage chronic pain, including spinal cord stimulation, to improve your overall quality of life quality.
What is spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is an FDA-certified therapy for individuals suffering from chronic pain in the legs, arms, or back. SCS is a pain management alternative that uses a low-voltage electric current along your spinal cord to alter and block pain signals, granting relief.
Is spinal stimulation right for me?
At Samwell Institute for Pain Management, Dr. Shah determines your spinal cord stimulation eligibility upon your consultation. He may recommend the treatment if:
- You are not a suitable candidate for surgery.
- You lack major psychiatric disorders.
- Conservative methods have failed to offer you relief.
- You do not have any medical contraindications, such as a pacemaker.
- Your pain is not due to malignancy.
If Dr. Shah clears you for spinal cord stimulation, he initially conducts a trial period before implanting the device. During the trial period, the leads carrying electric current are attached to your spinal cord as you wear the device on your clothing. If you feel pain relief during the trial, you may then proceed with the implantation.
What should I expect during implantation of the device?
To reduce discomfort, your doctor implants your spinal cord stimulator under anesthesia. He begins by placing the leads on your spinal canal, with location depending on your pain source. They are then tunneled beneath your skin to your buttocks or abdomen, depending on the location your device will be placed. Incisions are then made for the device’s implantation with the leads attached before closing your incisions.
After your 60-90 minute surgery, you can spend some time in the recovery area for monitoring before being sent home with specific instructions on your activity and pain management from Dr. Shah.
What happens after placement of my spinal cord stimulator?
Although results vary, most individuals experience a significant decrease in pain after placement. As your levels improve, Dr. Shah continues to adjust your prescription medication.
Other Services
Other quality services and issues treated at the practice include:
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Neck pain
- Hip pain
- Abdominal pain
- Regenerative medicine
- Headache
- Post-amputation pain
- Telemedicine
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Joint injection
- Epidural steroid injection
- Kyphoplasty
- Nerve blocks
Bottom Line
Since pain comes in many forms, it is normal for individuals to overlook it and choose to suffer silently. However, pain can be debilitating and impact negatively on your life. If your painful episodes are persistent and unresponsive to conventional treatment options, you need an appropriate partner for lasting relief. Contact Samwell Institute for Pain Management to understand how you can benefit from spinal cord stimulation and other innovative treatments. Please book online or call their offices to get started on your recovery journey.