SPINAL CORD STIMULATION (SCS)

WHAT IS SCS?

Spinal cord stimulation is the stimulation of nerves by tiny electrical pulses. An implanted lead, which is powered by an implanted battery or receiver, is placed against the patient’s spinal cord. This system sends electrical pulses that block the pain messages to the patient’s brain. Some patients describe the feeling of SCS as “tingling”. SCS implantation is a reversible procedure that does not damage your spinal cord or your nerves. Typically, patients who have a successful SCS experience a 50 – 70% reduction in their pain.

WHAT TYPE OF PAIN CAN BE IMPROVED WITH SCS?

Intractable neuropathic pain is an indication for the use of SCS. Neuropathic pain is a pain that is caused by actual damage to nerve tissues, and is often felt as a burning pain or stabbing pain. It is often a chronic unrelenting pain, as compared to nocioceptive pain, which is the pain felt by someone who has cut his/her hand or broken a leg. Nocioceptive pain usually lasts a shorter period of time and is more responsive to traditional pain medicines. Unfortunately, most neuropathic pain does not respond to opioid pain medicines and often requires advanced interventions for pain relief.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR SCS THERAPY?

The best candidates for SCS have severe chronic pain in their legs or arms. Patients with primarily leg or arm pain and mild back or neck pain can also benefit. In general, the wider the area of pain, the more difficult it is for SCS to be effective. Most patients who have tried more conservative therapies, but who have not experienced sufficient pain relief, are considered candidates for SCS therapy. The patient’s doctor often feels that surgery would not be beneficial. Patients are required to undergo psychological screening and must not have any untreated drug addictions. The patient undergoes a trial stimulation and
will be a candidate if this trial period is successful. The patient must make a commitment to be an active participant in his/her recovery. Contraindications to SCS include a tendency to abnormal bleeding or chronic use of a blood thinner, pain that is primarily located in the trunk, fever or infection of any kind, and any severe coexisting heart and/or lung problems.

SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR IMPLANTATION