5 Reasons Spinal Cord Stimulation Might Be the Best Way to Deal with Your Pain

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is often prescribed for patients with severe chronic pain that refuses to respond to other treatments. Through neurostimulation, SCS changes how your brain processes pain signals from your spinal nerves. Medical specialists have used it successfully to treat many types of limb, neck, and back pain, particularly nerve compression or radiculopathy. To begin spinal cord stimulation Houston, your provider implants stimulation devices under your skin for a trial period. If you are happy with the results, you may get the full treatment. Reasons SCS may work out for you include.

The Procedure Is Minimally Invasive

SCS is a minimally invasive procedure, which means less bleeding, less risk, and minimal recovery time. Your doctor only makes one incision through which they implant the generator under your skin. In some cases, the electrodes are inserted through a hollow needle so you do not need incisions.

The Pain Relief Is Targeted and Adjustable

Once the stimulation device is in place, you will receive a controller through which you can adjust its operation and your pain levels. Some stimulators even adjust themselves based on your movements. This function is important because chronic pain rarely manifests in similar ways in patients. In fact, your experience with low back pain may differ significantly from how your sister experiences the same pain. Within a day, your pain levels may also fluctuate significantly depending on your activities and physiology. SCS addresses these differences by making its approach to pain relief targeted and adjustable. 

Spinal Cord Stimulation Is Reversible

While it is a surgical procedure, spinal cord stimulation is reversible. This means that you can usually have it reversed or discontinued if you are unhappy with the results. Your provider will remove the generator, electrical contacts, and wires from your body. Upon reversal, your system will resume normal function, with zero permanent changes to your spinal column or nerves.

It Is Cost Effective and Long-Lasting

According to research, SCS is relatively more affordable than alternative spinal cord and pain treatments, including multiple nonsurgical options. This could be because of several reasons. For one, SCS eliminates the need for oral medications. It is also long-lasting and does not require frequent or costly refills or follow-up procedures. In fact, once you get the implant, you can remain pain-free for years.

It Can Prevent Opioid Dependency

Because spinal cord stimulation significantly reduces pain, it can reduce or eliminate your reliance on prescription pain medication. A medical study shows that a third of the participants stopped taking opioid medications after receiving high-frequency therapy. In the long run, SCS therapy can protect you from painkiller dependency and other side effects associated with opioid use.

Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Right for You?

Spinal cord stimulation is a highly effective pain treatment that changes how your brain perceives pain. It is an excellent way to combat pain that has failed to improve with traditional therapies like pain medication, steroid injections, and physical therapy. Because the treatment begins with a trial period, you have time to discover these and other benefits of SCS before committing to the therapy. This includes getting the stimulator wire and pulse generator implanted in your body. If you are ready to explore these benefits, contact a provider today to learn more about SCS.