For patients who are dealing with painful diabetic neuropathy, a spinal cord stimulator treatment may be proper for you. But what is spinal cord stimulator treatment? Read about it down below.
Painful diabetic neuropathy is a debilitating condition that affects individuals with diabetes. Sufferers of this condition experience persistent and severe discomfort in their feet, legs, or hands. Nerve damage is the root cause, which arises from prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels. Some patients express a range of symptoms such as a loss of sensation, damage to the nerve, and muscle weakness, and find themselves looking for pain relief.
Painful diabetic neuropathy not only impairs physical functioning but also negatively impacts the quality of life of those affected. A significant number of individuals often express their discomfort as a burning sensation, tingling, numbness, or electric shocks. These unpleasant sensations can severely impact their mobility and disrupt their sleep patterns.
The underlying cause of painful diabetic neuropathy has to do with the combined effect of how diabetes impacts the body and interacts with the nervous system. There are several ways to manage painful diabetic neuropathy. These methods involve taking medications that focus on neural pathways associated with pain processing, such as anticonvulsants and antidepressants.
Additionally, making lifestyle changes like maintaining strict glucose control can also be helpful.
Given its high prevalence among diabetic patients, further research dedicated to understanding the pathology of painful diabetic neuropathy and developing novel therapeutic interventions remains imperative in improving the lives of those afflicted by this distressing condition.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulator Treatment?
A spinal cord stimulator is a cutting-edge medical device that can reduce pain. Through the use, of new technology, low-level electrical signals move toward the spinal cord to modify pain signals and provide relief for chronic pain conditions.
This modern approach focuses on pain safely and effectively making it a promising option for those seeking long-term pain management solutions.
By blocking or modifying pain impulses, a spinal cord stimulator can effectively reduce discomfort in individuals suffering from conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, or neuropathic pain.
The benefits of using this device extend beyond mere pain management; it can also improve sleep patterns, increase mobility, and decrease reliance on opioid medications. By regaining control over their lives with lower pain levels, patients experience a boost in emotional well-being and are more likely to actively engage in social and physical activities that were once held back by their condition.
Thus, it is apparent that the implementation of a spinal cord stimulator can significantly improve quality of life by reducing pain to a normal level.
Types of Neuropathy Treatment
BEST Health System has two locations, one in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the second clinic in Cleveland, Ohio for patients who are seeking neuropathy treatment. Our board-certified doctors, Dr. Shall, and Dr. Staggs are professionals who work with patients to achieve neuropathy relief.
For neuropathy, we offer a range of different treatments such as
- Diagnostic Imagery: Our doctors will administer an X-Ray, or EMG/NCV to determine the cause of the pain.
- Conservative Treatment: The doctor will create a conservative treatment plan consisting of physical therapy, pain medications, and/or a TENs unit.
- Injections: The doctor will administer steroid injections at the site of the neuropathic pain.
- Ablation Therapy: Ablation therapy can help to block irregular pain signals from being sent to the brain.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Treatment For Neuropathy
At BEST we offer our patients who are dealing with painful diabetic neuropathy multiple options, and one of our primary treatment forms includes spinal cord stimulators (SCS).
This allows diabetic neuropathy patients to minimize the pain they experience as a result of their condition. For patients with leg pain, spinal cord stimulators can relieve 50% of the pain.
When conservative treatments for diabetic neuropathy are ineffective or do not provide enough relief, spinal cord stimulator treatment may be the right option.
Our board-certified surgeons employ patients with a trial run with the SCS device so they can determine whether it is the right option for them. If patients find relief with it, we can implant a permanent device.
Learn about if you are an ideal candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulator intervention by making an appointment with BEST today.
