Spinal Cord Stimulation for Neck Pain
At Paragon Sport Spine & Wellness, we offer Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) as a cutting-edge treatment option for patients suffering from chronic neck pain. This advanced, minimally invasive procedure uses electrical impulses to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, providing significant relief for those who have not responded to other treatments.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) involves the implantation of a small device near the spine, which delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses disrupt the pain signals traveling to the brain, replacing the sensation of pain with a more tolerable tingling sensation, often described as a mild “buzzing.”
The procedure typically begins with a trial phase, where temporary electrodes are placed on the spine to determine if SCS will be effective. If the trial is successful, a permanent implant is surgically placed.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Relieve Neck Pain?
- The SCS device consists of a small pulse generator implanted under the skin, connected to thin wires (electrodes) placed near the spinal cord.
- These electrodes deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord, masking pain signals from the affected nerves before they reach the brain. This creates a feeling of tingling (known as paresthesia), which reduces or eliminates the sensation of pain.
The stimulation can be adjusted by the patient using a handheld remote to control the intensity and frequency of the impulses based on their pain levels.
Conditions Treated by Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal Cord Stimulation is effective for managing chronic neck pain caused by:
- Failed Neck Surgery Syndrome
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Chronic Neuropathic Pain
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Patients who have undergone surgery or other therapies without lasting relief may find SCS to be a life-changing treatment.
Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Safe?
Spinal Cord Stimulation is a well-established, FDA-approved procedure with a long history of success. The trial phase allows both the patient and the physician to assess the effectiveness before committing to a permanent implant. As with any medical procedure, there are risks, but serious complications are rare when performed by a skilled, board-certified physician.
Some potential side effects include:
- Temporary discomfort or swelling at the implant site
- Infection at the implant site (rare)
- Device malfunction or movement (which can often be corrected)
However, the benefits of SCS—including significant, long-term pain relief—often outweigh the risks for those suffering from chronic, debilitating neck pain.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients experience noticeable pain relief during the trial phase, allowing them to decide whether to proceed with permanent implantation. Once the permanent device is in place, pain relief is typically immediate and can be adjusted as needed over time.
Patients can return to most normal activities soon after the procedure, with full recovery expected within a few weeks.
