What is Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy?
Understanding the potential of spinal cord stimulation therapy requires background knowledge of the development of chronic pain. Chronic pain is different from our natural pain response, and it lasts significantly longer. Pain is considered chronic when it becomes disproportionate to the pain of the original injury or condition. Chronic pain treatment adds obstacles for patients who are seeking meaningful relief.
Chronic pain treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, including in-depth diagnostics and experimentation with various therapies and treatments. Oftentimes, patients can find relief from chronic pain through a course of conservative therapies, but if they do not, they may consider surgical intervention.
Spinal cord stimulation therapy is an advanced chronic pain treatment option that works by intercepting pain signals before they reach the brain. This technology utilizes tiny electrical pulses to interrupt the pain signals that travel up the spinal cord to the brain. Many patients consider this therapy to manage their pain if correctional therapies have proven ineffective.
Candidacy for Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials
To qualify for spinal cord stimulation trials, patients undergo a thorough evaluation consisting of diagnostic imaging, physical examinations, and a review of the patient’s medical history. The goal of the trial is to see how effective the device is for treating the patient’s chronic pain.
There are a few conditions that warrant the need for a spinal cord stimulator. These conditions include but are not limited to, different forms of neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), pain after amputation, and more. Patients who suffer from any of these conditions work closely with specialists to understand their condition and find an effective treatment approach. If physical therapy and certain pain medications do not effectively provide relief, they may be recommended for a spinal cord stimulator trial.
Patient Experiences with Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials
Spinal cord stimulator trials are important because they determine if this therapy is effective for the patient’s unique condition. While a large portion of patients can achieve lasting pain relief using SCS, some do not share the same experience. Trials offer the opportunity to explore the possibilities without having to undergo any form of surgical intervention.
Approximately 50% of patients who undergo a spinal cord stimulation trial can find meaningful relief from their chronic pain. Some patients can achieve up to 80% relief from this form of therapy. During the spinal cord stimulator trials, patients will work closely with their doctor to determine the most effective stimulation settings and the overall efficacy of the trial.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials with BEST Health System
BEST Health System is the leader in spinal cord stimulation therapy. We work with various clinics to improve SCS therapy and make it more accessible to patients across North America. We understand that effective chronic pain treatment is difficult to find, and it takes a team of talented specialists to work. Therefore, we are proud to employ highly sought-after medical professionals who are dedicated to helping patients find relief.
Contact BEST Health System
If you have been diagnosed with a condition that manifests chronic pain, you are not alone. Although it is not heavily discussed many individuals suffer from pain that exists for a prolonged period. You deserve to find meaningful relief so you can get back to the activities you love most.
Contact BEST today to learn more about our spinal cord stimulator trials.
