Spinal cord stimulation, also called SCS, is a treatment option typically reserved for individuals who have exhausted other treatment options for chronic pain.
Spinal cord stimulation can be used to treat pain from various serious medical conditions that have not responded to standard pain management treatments. Treatment largely involves minimally invasive surgery using mild electrical impulses that modify the way the brain interprets pain signals sent to and from the body. These conditions include Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), post-surgical pain, neuropathy, and various spinal cord injuries, among other conditions.
Depending on your specific medical condition, SCS may be a way for you to alleviate your pain. Reach out to the team at Comprehensive Spine and Pain at 405-601-4227 to learn more about SCS.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation can provide meaningful relief for chronic back pain, but it also comes with potential drawbacks. Understanding the key pros and cons can help you make an informed decision before moving forward with the procedure.
Pros of Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Pain Reduction: Above all, spinal cord stimulation surgery can significantly reduce pain levels in the affected area of your spine. Depending on your condition and the success of your surgery, your pain may even be totally eliminated.
- Reduced Dependency on Medication: Choosing to have the procedure done can help you manage your pain effectively without relying on pain medications. SCS surgery can relieve your pain and potentially decrease the need for opioids that can become addictive and cause adverse side effects.
- Improved Functionality: After healing from the procedure, you may notice an increase in mobility, improved sleep, and an overall positive change in your quality of life. This improvement in your daily functionality may be the most welcome positive outcome of your SCS surgery.
- Quality of Life Enhancement: SCS surgery has the potential to vastly improve your general quality of life in many different ways. Following the reduction in your pain levels, you may find your ability to perform daily activities has improved, as well as your sleep quality and emotional well-being.
Cons of Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Incomplete Relief: Unfortunately, spinal cord stimulation surgery is not a cure-all. There are no guarantees that everyone will experience the same results or the same level of pain relief. For some individuals, the surgery may not provide satisfactory results. It depends entirely on your distinct condition and the success of the surgery. A recent study from the National Library of Medicine showed 38% of studied patients experienced incomplete relief.
- Surgical Risks: No surgery is without its inherent risks. SCS surgery is no exception. The implantation procedure can result in infection, bleeding, and even nerve damage if there are errors during surgery. A recent study from the National Library of Medicine showed that of the 13,000 studied patients who underwent SCS surgery, 14% of them had their implants removed due to infection.
- Device Malfunctions: When you undergo SCS surgery, you have a device implanted in your body to monitor and reduce your pain levels. This device can malfunction, move out of place under your skin, or break entirely. This may require additional procedures to repair or replace the device. A recent study from the National Library of Medicine showed that of the 13,000 studied patients, 15% had their implants removed due to malfunction.
- Cost: Depending on your financial situation and your ongoing condition, the cost of SCS surgery can be considerable. There are many different elements of this treatment that you need to consider, including the financial commitment. Your doctor can explain these elements to you during a consultation.
Reach Out to a Medical Professional Today
If you are suffering from chronic back pain, you may want to consider looking into spinal cord stimulation surgery as a possible method of managing that pain. Depending on how long you’ve been dealing with your pain, you may have already exhausted all possible non-surgical options. That’s understandable. We can help you find a solution. Engage our team promptly so we can begin exploring ways to help you.
Our medical team at Comprehensive Spine and Pain knows the kind of treatment you’ll need to manage chronic pain. Reach out to us at 405-601-4227 or contact us online to discuss your condition and potential solutions. We provide prompt care for individuals experiencing chronic back pain.