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Ask anyone who's experienced it: there's no pain like spine pain. And according to Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, there's no shortage of people experiencing it. The Institute reports that 8% of all adults — around 16 million adults — experience persistent or chronic back pain that limits everyday activities.
What's more, back pain is costing Americans, not just in limited activity, but fiscally as well. The same source listed back pain as the sixth most costly condition in the United States, totaling more than $12 billion per year in healthcare and related costs.
Relief in sight
Fortunately, for those who suffer from the condition, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is increasingly recognized as a vital and effective treatment option. Interventional Spine & Pain Management in Provo says that SCS has shown remarkable results in alleviating severe and persistent pain, transforming the lives of many patients.
A spinal cord stimulator, also known as a dorsal column stimulator, operates by targeting the pain-carrying nerves through electrical impulses. Dr. Partridge, an interventional pain specialist at Interventional Spine and Pain Management is a fellowship-trained expert on diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions that qualify for spinal cord stimulation.
He says the treatment is FDA-approved for:
- Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
- Chronic painful peripheral neuropathy or plexopathy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) I and II
- Phantom limb pain
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Sciatica
The appeal of SCS lies in its targeted approach, focusing on interrupting nerve conduction along pathways primarily responsible for pain transmission to the brain. In fact, one study found "84% of patients with chronic back pain treated with DTM SCS reported at least 50% pain relief."
The process of pain mitigation
The SCS procedure is a two-stage process. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the first stage is a trial phase and is non-surgical. During this phase, wires are placed in the epidural space and connected to an external generator. This allows patients to assess the device's effectiveness over 5-7 days during their regular activities.
If the trial is successful, the second stage involves the surgical implantation of the wires and the battery under the skin. The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia with different levels of IV sedation, depending on the patient, to keep them comfortable while limiting pain.
Once the procedure is done, you'll feel a fairly constant sensation of stimulation. With recent advancements in SCS technology, doctors can provide a wide range of electrical impulses to provide individualized stimulation to achieve the best results for each patient.
If the procedure is successful, approximately 80% of patients should feel pain relief very soon after.
One study published in Pain Practice concludes the procedure yields "overwhelmingly positive" results for patients.
An alternative to pain medication
SCS has helped some patients substantially reduce their dependence on oral opioid medications, marking a significant step forward in pain management strategies.
According to a 2020 study published in Neurosurgery, more than 60% of study participants were able to reduce their opioid use within one year of receiving the procedure, with nearly 35% moving to a clinically important lower dose and 17% off opioids altogether.
With all these benefits in mind, many patients may still fear or doubt the safety and efficacy of any new treatment or device. That's why Interventional Spine & Pain Management relies only on the evidence-based use of cutting-edge technology like spinal cord stimulation.
If you suffer from back pain, you have more options than you think. With personalized care plans and advanced therapies, Interventional Spine & Pain Management can help you find a manageable solution for your chronic pain. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Interventional Spine & Pain Management.
