Chronic pain is a common health issue in India, affecting millions of people across different age groups. From back pain to nerve-related discomfort, persistent pain can disrupt daily life, reduce productivity, and affect emotional well-being. While medications, physiotherapy, and injections provide temporary relief, many patients continue to struggle with long-term pain. One advanced solution that has shown remarkable results is Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS).
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal Cord Stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses electrical impulses to manage chronic pain. The device, often called a stimulator, is implanted under the skin near the spine. It delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. This helps in reducing the perception of pain without relying solely on medications.
SCS is particularly useful for conditions like neuropathic pain, failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy. It is considered when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
The working principle of SCS is based on the gate control theory of pain. According to this theory, electrical impulses can “close the gate” for pain signals, preventing them from reaching the brain. The stimulator’s wires, called leads, are carefully placed near the spinal cord. The device then emits electrical pulses that target the specific nerves responsible for chronic pain.
Patients usually undergo a trial phase before permanent implantation. During this phase, temporary leads are placed, and the patient’s pain relief is closely monitored. If the trial is successful, a permanent device is implanted, allowing for long-term pain management.
Conditions Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal Cord Stimulation can provide relief for a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): Persistent pain after spinal surgery is a common indication for SCS.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Patients with severe limb pain and swelling may benefit significantly.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Pain resulting from nerve damage in diabetes or injury can be managed effectively.
- Chronic Back or Leg Pain: SCS is helpful for patients with long-standing pain not responding to conventional therapies.
- Post-surgical Pain: Certain patients experience persistent pain after joint or nerve surgeries, which can be alleviated with SCS.
Advantages of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal Cord Stimulation has several benefits over traditional treatments:
- Reduced Dependence on Medications: Patients can lower their intake of painkillers, including opioids, which have side effects when used long-term.
- Minimally Invasive: SCS is less invasive than major surgeries, leading to quicker recovery.
- Adjustable and Reversible: The device settings can be adjusted according to the patient’s needs, and the system can be removed if necessary.
- Improved Quality of Life: Many patients experience better mobility, sleep, and mental well-being.
- Targeted Pain Relief: The therapy is highly specific, addressing only the painful areas while leaving other functions unaffected.
The Procedure
The Spinal Cord Stimulation procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia with mild sedation. It consists of two main steps:
- Trial Stimulation: Temporary leads are inserted into the epidural space near the spine. The patient uses an external stimulator for several days or weeks to evaluate the effectiveness.
- Permanent Implantation: If the trial is successful, the permanent device is implanted under the skin, often near the abdomen or buttocks. Leads are connected to the pulse generator, and the intensity of stimulation is programmed for optimal pain relief.
Post-procedure, patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks and attend regular follow-ups to ensure proper device functioning.
Considerations and Safety
While SCS is generally safe, it is important to consult an experienced pain management specialist to assess suitability. Patients with active infections, bleeding disorders, or certain heart conditions may not be ideal candidates. Like any medical procedure, there are potential risks such as lead migration, infection, or device malfunction, but these are relatively rare when performed in a well-equipped centre.
Future of Spinal Cord Stimulation
The technology of Spinal Cord Stimulation continues to evolve. Newer devices are smaller, rechargeable, and capable of providing more precise stimulation. Some devices use closed-loop systems that automatically adjust pulses based on the patient’s needs. Such innovations aim to provide better pain relief with fewer side effects, making SCS an increasingly attractive option for chronic pain patients in India and worldwide.
Conclusion
Spinal Cord Stimulation is a revolutionary therapy for managing chronic pain, offering targeted relief while reducing dependence on medications. For patients struggling with conditions like neuropathic pain, CRPS, or post-surgical pain, SCS can dramatically improve quality of life. With proper evaluation, expert implantation, and follow-up care, patients can experience lasting relief and enhanced daily functioning. Nexus Advanced Pain Management provides comprehensive guidance and advanced spinal cord stimulation therapies tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring safe, effective, and sustainable pain management solutions.
