Chronic back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, in part, because the back and spinal column are complex structures. There is a lot that can go wrong there. Often, back pain gets better with self-management. Things like icing and rest cure many problems temporarily. When that isn’t enough, look for an alternative that might include spinal cord stimulation.
What Causes Chronic Back Pain?
There are many conditions that can lead to chronic back pain, including:
- Muscle strain
- Ligament damage
- Bulging discs
- Ruptured discs
- Arthritis
- Skeletal irregularities such as vertebral fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Disc disease
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Radicular nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
There are also risk factors that make some more prone to this kind of pain, such as:
- Age
- Lack of exercise
- Being overweight
- Diseases like cancer
- Repetitive trauma from lifting at work, for instance
- Smoking
Sometimes, lifestyle changes can alleviate the problem, such as losing weight or starting to exercise. When that’s not enough, look for another way for you to get relief.
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation involves applying a low-level electrical signal to the spinal cord or affected nerves to block the pain. The electrical impulse keeps the pain signal from reaching the brain. With the help of a spinal cord stimulator implant, the electrical stimulation provides a way to minimize pain without your having to take a lot of medication.
Each stimulation device requires a power source replaced surgically when necessary or charged externally. Some units have an external power source that the patient wears. More modern stimulation devices recharge through the skin, though.
Who Should Consider Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Candidates for spinal cord stimulation go through a screening process to determine if they would benefit from the procedure. It starts with a medical assessment to figure out why you are in pain. Some possible causes might include:
Scarring of the tissue that protects the spinal nerves Pain in the legs that might indicate nerve damage Diseases of the nervous system such as complex regional pain syndrome
For some, chronic back or neck pain comes from another source like heart problems. Generally, any person with chronic neck and back pain could potentially qualify.
What Are The Risks Of Spinal Cord Stimulation?
The risks are few, but there can be problems with the device. It may stop working. Sometimes, they move out of position and have to be removed.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has four convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens and New Hyde Park, Lindenhurst, and Valley Stream – Long Island. Call the Queens office at (718) 215-1888, or (516) 419-4480 for the Long Island offices, to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialist, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko.
