On the forefront of interventional pain management is the use of spinal cord stimulation for the management of chronic pain. Spinal Cord Stimulation (or SCS) is a procedure that uses a catheter similar in appearance to an epidural catheter used during pregnancy that has electrodes which release a current in a matter that confuses the input from the nerves in their transmission of pain to the brain.

Spinal cord stimulation is usually an end of the line treatment for low back pain, persistent nerve pain in the extremities, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (a.k.a. CRPS I or II).  SCS is also an option for other chronic nerve pain conditions such as chronic abdominal or pelvic pain and certain types of headaches.

Impulses from the body that previously would transmit pain to the brain are now interrupted and replaced with a sensation commonly referred to as a ‘pleasant tingling’. The goal of SCS is to help the patient regain a quality of life that has been taken from them by persistent, chronic pain.

These catheters with electrodes are known as ‘leads’. They are placed temporarily through the skin in the same fashion that an epidural injection is performed, followed by the passing of the lead to the corresponding region in the epidural space where you have pain. The procedure is done with the patient lightly sedated and awake enough to let the physician know that they are experiencing the tingling in the appropriate area. After the lead is in place it is left in place for 7-10 days, and the patient goes back to their normal daily activities with this temporary lead in place (taped to the skin).  The patient comes back to the office and it is simply pulled out without need for any surgery or procedure. The patient will tell the doctor whether or not they liked the sensation provided by SCS and a decision can be made for final implantation.

If you are interested in spinal cord stimulation as a form of pain management or treatment or would like further information about spinal cord stimulation the pain management doctors of Park West Pain Management of Manhattan, New York and Staten Island, New York would be happy to see you for a consultation and help you learn about the treatment options available to you.