Spinal Cord Stimulation

In Phoenix Arizona

The primary goal of Spinal Cord Stimulation is to reduce or block pain signals before they reach the brain, helping patients regain control over their pain without relying on excessive medication. SCS is not a cure for the underlying condition, but it is an effective tool for managing chronic pain that has not responded to physical therapy, injections, or prior surgeries. Many patients who undergo SCS report improved mobility, reduced stress and anxiety related to pain, and enhanced overall well-being. By masking pain with gentle electrical pulses, SCS allows individuals to focus on daily activities rather than being constantly burdened by discomfort.

While SCS can be a life-changing treatment, it isn’t for everyone. It is most effective for nerve-related pain and may not be as beneficial for mechanical or inflammatory pain conditions. Some patients experience partial relief rather than complete pain elimination, and effectiveness can vary from person to person. Additionally, the device requires ongoing management, including periodic adjustments and battery replacements for rechargeable systems.

Another limitation is that insurance coverage may vary, requiring patients to undergo a trial period before permanent implantation. While the treatment can significantly reduce pain, it does not treat the underlying cause of the pain, meaning some conditions may continue to progress despite symptom relief.

The SCS procedure involves two main phases: the trial phase and the permanent implant.

1. Trial Phase – A temporary SCS device is implanted using a minimally invasive technique. The patient wears an external stimulator for about a week to determine if the therapy provides significant pain relief.
2. Evaluation – If the trial is successful (typically at least 50% pain reduction), the patient moves on to permanent implantation.
3. Permanent Implantation – A small pulse generator is implanted under the skin, typically near the lower back or abdomen, and connected to leads placed near the spinal cord.
4. Device Programming – The device is programmed to deliver customized electrical impulses, which the patient can adjust based on their pain levels.
5. Recovery & Follow-Up – Patients typically return to light activity within a few days and receive regular follow-ups to optimize the device’s settings.

There are different types of SCS devices, each designed to meet the unique needs of the patient:

• Traditional Spinal Cord Stimulators – Deliver mild electrical impulses that replace pain signals with a tingling sensation (paresthesia).
• Burst Stimulation Devices – Use burst pulses to mimic natural nerve firing patterns, often reducing pain without causing a tingling sensation.
• High-Frequency Stimulators – Offer pain relief without paresthesia, making them ideal for patients who find tingling sensations uncomfortable.
• Rechargeable vs. Non-Rechargeable Devices – Rechargeable models provide longer battery life and more flexibility, while non-rechargeable versions require replacement every 5-10 years.

Each patient’s condition, preferences, and lifestyle determine which type of SCS system will provide the best long-term pain relief.

Kyphoplasty is most effective for acute or subacute compression fractures, meaning fractures that are relatively recent and still causing pain. Some of the common types include:

• Wedge fractures: The front of the vertebra collapses, creating a wedge-like shape and leading to kyphosis (hunchback posture).
• Biconcave fractures: The middle of the vertebra collapses, causing the bone to become concave in appearance.
• Crush fractures: The entire vertebra collapses uniformly, which can lead to severe instability.

The type and severity of the fracture determine whether kyphoplasty or another treatment approach is best.