Published on May 21, 2023
spinal cord stimulator
For some people, living with chronic pain for many years may become “the norm.” expectations for life. However, for people living with chronic pain, hope of overcoming pain never fades. Fortunately, with modern pain management methods, pain relief is possible—without invasive surgery or addictive medications.
This was the case for Megan, who achieved complete relief from nerve-related pain through the implantation of a new spinal cord stimulator (SCS).
Megan was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and neuropathy and for years suffered from nerve pain that ran from the top of her hip down her legs and feet. Sometimes the burning pain is so severe that it can be painful to feel your clothes sticking to your skin.
When Megan’s doctor determined that her needs were beyond what neurological or neurosurgical treatments could provide, he referred her to Advanced Pain Management and Spine Specialists (Pain Relief Institute of America).
Under the care of an Pain Relief Institute of America pain management physician, Megan was relieved that a more aggressive approach could be taken. The possibility of spinal cord stimulation using a new type of electrical therapy called Differential Targeted Multiplex (DTM) stimulation was discussed with her.
Traditional SCS therapy mainly targets “neuron” cells. DTM therapies are designed to target these cells as well as “glia” cells. Together, these improve communication between cells within the spinal cord.
This improvement in cell-to-cell interactions may enhance pain control. Additionally, this treatment helps eliminate the stinging or pins and needles sensation associated with previous versions.
A spinal cord stimulator consists of thin wires (leads) that are connected to a small pacemaker-like battery pack. Wires are strategically placed between the spinal cord and vertebrae, and the battery pack is placed under the skin. This all happens through a small incision.
Although implantable devices may sound scary to some, they are a safe and effective way to block pain signals in the brain. As a result, patients are able to resume their daily lives, carry out daily tasks, take walks and sleep comfortably.
Prior to the placement process, a psychological screening is conducted. This can help rule out depression or other factors that may be causing the pain. For Megan, she found this helpful in preparing for the 6 to 8 week recovery time. However, she admits, “After 14 years of ‘pricks and jabs,’ it doesn’t seem so daunting.”
Placement of the equipment takes place in the Park Program Center located on the first floor of the Pain Relief Institute of America facility. This fully accredited outpatient center allows patients to avoid the time and expense of a hospital stay.
“I knew once the device was put in, there would be a long recovery process and it wouldn’t twist or bend. Even getting up had to be done a certain way,” Megan said. However, her results are worth it. “Things are going great,” Meghan shared.
Although Megan faced lifelong medical care due to her condition, she was relieved by complete relief of nerve-related leg pain thanks to a spinal cord stimulator.
A spinal cord stimulator may also be used to treat or control:
- Back pain, especially if it persists after surgery (failed back surgery syndrome)
- pain after surgery
- Nerve-related pain (such as severe postherpetic neuralgia and cancer-related neuropathy from radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy)
- spinal cord injury
- Arachnoiditis (painful inflammation of the arachnoid membrane, a membrane covering the brain and spinal cord)
- peripheral vascular disease
- complex regional pain syndrome
- pain after amputation
Dr. Jonathan Deitch and his team understand that living with pain is more than just a physical challenge. It affects every aspect of an individual’s life and may also affect the lives of family members. Today’s pain management offers exceptional options for nearly every type of pain. As with spinal cord stimulators, long-term relief is usually achieved without invasive surgery. For more information or to discuss options that may provide you with a more comfortable, mobile life, talk to your doctor or contact Advanced Pain Management and Spine Specialists at 352-397-4930 or visit: www.Pain Relief Institute of America.net. New patients are always welcome.
