What is spinal cord stimulation?
When you injure your spine, pain signals travel from the point of injury up the spinal cord and to the brain. Spinal cord stimulation therapy delivers low levels of electrical pulses into the epidural space. These impulses block the pain signals before they can reach the brain, replacing the pain with a more pleasant sensation instead.
Dr. Fiks has years of experience in performing successful spinal cord stimulation treatments that help ease pain and restore a better quality of life to his patients.
How does spinal cord stimulation work?
Dr. Fiks begins the implant procedure by giving you a local anesthetic and minimal sedation. He places spinal cord stimulator leads — the element that transmits the electrical pulses — into the epidural space. He then tapes the leads to your back and connects you to a portable stimulating device.
To see if spinal cord stimulation works for you, Dr. Fiks conducts a trial for 5-7 days with the temporary, portable device to see how successful it is at relieving your pain. If it works, he places a permanent stimulation device in your upper buttock through a small incision. You have full control over the intensity of the signals and can even turn the current off entirely if you wish.
What conditions does spinal cord stimulation treat?
Dr. Fiks recommends spinal cord stimulation for patients who have had little or no success with other treatments and for whom surgery is not an option. He uses it to treat many conditions, including:
- Nerve root compression
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Degenerative disc disease
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Chronic neck, back, arm, or leg pain lasting for longer than six months
Before doing a trial, Dr. Fiks assesses your suitability for spinal cord stimulation and lets you know what range of results you can expect.
What are the benefits of spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation offers a solution when other options have failed. There are several benefits to using a spinal cord stimulator, including that it:
- Provides significant pain relief
- Reduces dependence on opioids
- Is reversible
- Allows increased activity levels
Dr. Fiks and the team at Advanced Pain Management Center place your well-being at the heart of all they do. Book an appointment through the website or call the practice today.
