Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants
Are you suffering from chronic neuropathic pain in your back, arms, and legs? The Central Texas Spine Institute of Austin has successfully treated many patients using spinal cord stimulator, or SCS, implants. Neuropathic pain results from erroneous nerve signals that create irritation and discomfort in response to normal, everyday stimulus. The goal of an SCS implant is to block these false pain impulses through the use of an electric current. If you have exhausted all other options for dealing with your neuropathic pain, a spinal cord stimulator implant may be just the treatment you’re looking for.
Before permanently implanting an SCS device, your orthopedic surgeon will first fit you with a trial implant. During the procedure, an insulated wire is inserted into your epidural space through a needle in your lower back. Electrical impulses are generated at electrodes at the end of the wire, and the patient provides feedback as the wire is positioned. Once an effective position is found, the wire is connected to an external control device. Over the next couple of weeks, the patient will determine the effectiveness of their spinal cord stimulator. If it is decided that the SCS is having a positive impact on the patient’s pain, a permanent spinal cord stimulator will then be implanted. This requires the placement of an implantable pulse generator in the buttocks or abdomen. The pulses can then be programmed and managed with a wireless control unit.
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. For those who have tried various treatment options without success, spinal cord stimulator implants offer new hope and relief. These implants are revolutionary devices that can significantly reduce pain and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions. Our spine specialists in Austin can help you find the relief you seek. Schedule a consultation today.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants
Significant Pain Relief
Spinal cord stimulator implants offered by Central Texas Spine Institute have proven to be highly effective for patients at our Austin spine clinic in managing chronic pain, particularly in conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and neuropathic pain. By interrupting pain signals, these implants can provide significant pain relief, allowing individuals to perform everyday activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
Customizable Treatment
Every person's experience of chronic pain is unique, and the intensity and location of pain can vary. Spinal cord stimulator implants offer customizable treatment options to meet the specific needs of each patient. The stimulator can be programmed to target different areas of the spinal cord and adjust the intensity, frequency, and pattern of electrical impulses for optimal pain relief.
Reduction in Medication Dependency
Chronic pain often leads to a reliance on strong pain medication, which can have adverse side effects and lead to dependency issues. Spinal cord stimulator implants provide a non-pharmaceutical alternative by directly targeting the source of pain. With successful implementation, patients at our Austin spine clinic may reduce or eliminate the need for pain medication, improving their overall health and well-being.
Enhancing Functionality and Mobility
Chronic pain can restrict a person's ability to move, leading to muscle weakness, reduced range of motion, and diminished quality of life. Spinal cord stimulator implants can help restore functionality and mobility by alleviating pain. Patients often report an improvement in their ability to perform daily activities, engage in exercise, and participate in enjoyable hobbies.
Reversible Treatment Option
One of the significant advantages of spinal cord stimulator implants is their reversibility. If a patient no longer wishes to use the device or if it is no longer effective, it can be safely removed without causing any long-term damage. This flexibility allows patients to explore other spine treatment options without fear of irreversible consequences.
Improved Psychological Well-Being
Chronic pain can have a profound impact on a person's mental and emotional well-being, often leading to anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life. Spinal cord stimulator implants can bring about a significant improvement in a patient's psychological state. By reducing pain levels, patients often experience increased happiness, improved mental clarity, and a greater sense of well-being — giving them purpose again.
Our Spine Treatments
It is important to note that spinal cord stimulator implants are typically recommended after more conservative spine treatment options have been exhausted. Candidates for this procedure undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine their suitability for the implant. Factors such as the type and severity of pain, the responsiveness to previous treatments, and the overall health of the patient are taken into consideration.
CALL OUR SPINE SPECIALISTS TODAY
Spinal cord stimulator implants offer a breakthrough solution for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions. With their ability to provide significant pain relief, customize treatment options, reduce medication dependency, enhance functionality and mobility, offer reversibility, and improve psychological well-being, these implants have transformed the lives of many. As always, the spine specialists at Central Texas Spine Institute have many spine treatments available, each of which can be tailored to your specific needs. Leverage our expertise today.
To learn more about spinal cord stimulator implants, come to Austin and talk to renowned orthopedic surgeon Randall F. Dryer, M.D. He has the knowledge and experience to determine if SCS is right for you and if so, to make it as effective of a treatment as possible. Contact the Central Texas Spine Institute today!