Haven’t experienced relief from other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy or prior surgeries
Have no untreated psychiatric disorders, such as severe depression or anxiety that could decrease the effectiveness of the treatments
Are looking for a sustainable way to manage chronic pain without relying on long-term medication use or repetitive procedures.
After Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) implantation, the recovery process typically involves a period of monitoring and adjustment to ensure optimal pain relief. Initially, you may experience some discomfort or soreness at the implantation site, which can usually be managed with pain medications as prescribed by your doctor. It's important to avoid activities that could strain the implantation area during the initial healing phase.
Following discharge, you will be instructed on how to care for the incision site and how to operate the SCS device, including adjusting stimulation settings using a remote control. Physical restrictions and limitations on activities may be recommended initially to allow the implanted electrodes to settle and the incision to heal properly. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess your progress, fine-tune the device settings, and address any concerns or questions you may have regarding your recovery and ongoing pain management.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) has been shown to be an effective treatment for managing chronic pain, particularly for patients who have not found relief through other methods. The effectiveness of SCS can vary depending on the individual and the underlying condition, but studies have reported that:
Approximately 50-70% of patients experience significant pain relief, often defined as a reduction in pain by 50% or more. This can lead to a marked improvement in daily functioning and quality of life.
Many patients are able to reduce or even eliminate the need for pain medications after successful SCS implantation.
By reducing pain, SCS can help improve mobility and physical function, allowing patients to engage in activities that were previously too painful.
SCS can provide long-term pain relief, with studies showing that the benefits can last for several years in many patients. However, the device settings may need adjustments over time to maintain optimal pain control.
While SCS is not a cure for the underlying cause of pain, it is a valuable tool in the comprehensive management of chronic pain, offering many patients a significant and sustained reduction in pain and an improved quality of life.
