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Spinal Cord Stimulation

In Phoenix Arizona

Atlas Pain Specialists offers spinal cord stimulation in Phoenix, AZ as a minimally invasive treatment to manage chronic pain. By delivering controlled electrical pulses to the spinal cord, this therapy aims to interrupt pain signals and enhance mobility.
Overview

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an advanced pain management technique designed to help individuals suffering from chronic pain that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments. The procedure involves implanting a small device that delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. By modifying the way pain is perceived, SCS provides long-term relief without the need for high doses of medication.

SCS is particularly beneficial for patients with persistent nerve pain, such as those caused by failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and neuropathic pain conditions. It offers a customizable approach, allowing patients and physicians to adjust stimulation levels based on individual needs. Many patients experience a significant reduction in pain and an improved quality of life, regaining mobility and independence that was previously limited by chronic pain.

Benefits of 
Spinal Cord Stimulation

Significant Pain Relief

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) has been shown to reduce chronic pain by 50% or more for many patients, providing a long-term solution where other treatments have failed. By disrupting pain signals before they reach the brain, SCS changes the way pain is perceived, offering relief without the need for excessive medication. Patients suffering from nerve pain, failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) often experience substantial improvements in their daily comfort levels. The ability to reduce pain to a manageable level allows individuals to regain control over their lives, improving sleep, mood, and overall well-being.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

Unlike traditional spinal surgeries, SCS is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a small incision in the lower back. The electrode leads are carefully placed near the spinal cord with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, reducing postoperative pain and recovery time. Most patients are able to go home the same day or after a short observation period. This approach significantly lowers the risk of complications, such as infection and excessive bleeding, compared to more invasive spinal surgeries. Because the procedure requires only local or mild sedation, patients avoid the risks associated with general anesthesia.

Reduces Dependence on Medications

Many patients struggling with chronic pain rely on opioids or other strong pain medications, which can lead to dependency, tolerance buildup, and a host of unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and cognitive impairment. SCS offers an alternative pain relief method that does not involve ongoing medication use. By modulating pain signals at the spinal level, SCS provides relief that is consistent and does not fade over time like medication does. This means that many patients can significantly reduce or even eliminate their reliance on painkillers, improving their overall health while reducing the risks of addiction and medication-related side effects.

Customizable Pain Management

One of the major advantages of SCS is its adjustability. Every patient experiences pain differently, and SCS allows for real-time customization of pain relief. The device can be programmed to deliver different levels of stimulation, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatment based on their pain intensity and location. Additionally, patients can adjust settings using a remote control, allowing them to manage pain as needed throughout the day. Some modern SCS devices even feature adaptive stimulation, automatically adjusting to body movements and posture changes to provide continuous, personalized pain relief without the need for constant manual adjustments.

Conditions Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal Cord Stimulation is commonly used to manage chronic pain conditions, particularly those related to nerve dysfunction. Some of the most frequently treated conditions include:
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)   – Persistent pain after one or more spinal surgeries.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)  – A debilitating nerve disorder that causes severe pain in the limbs
Neuropathic Pain – Pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction, including diabetic neuropathy.
Spinal Stenosis  – Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to nerve compression and chronic pain.
Sciatica & Radiculopathy  – Nerve pain radiating from the spine into the legs or arms.
Peripheral Neuropathy  – Nerve-related pain due to diabetesnjury, or unknown causes.

Purpose

Limitations

Risks

Process

Types

Purpose of Spinal Cord Stimulation

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.

Limitations of Spinal Cord Stimulation

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.

Potential Risks of Spinal Cord Stimulation

As with any medical procedure, SCS carries some risks, though complications are rare. Some potential risks include:

  • Infection – Though uncommon, an infection at the implant site may require removal of the device.
  • Lead Migration – The electrodes may shift over time, leading to reduced effectiveness and requiring adjustment or repositioning.
  • Device Malfunction – Though rare, mechanical failures in the device may require replacement.
  • Tissue Irritation – Some patients experience mild discomfort or sensitivity around the implant site.
  • Inconsistent Pain Relief – While many patients experience significant relief, results can vary, and some may not achieve the expected level of improvement.

The Spinal Cord Stimulation Process

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.
Types of Spinal Cord Stimulators

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.

Types of Vertebral Compression Fractures Treated with Kyphoplasty

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.

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