Spinal Cord Stimulation
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Pain Physicians of Indiana
Interventional Pain Management Specialists located in Merrillville, IN
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a revolutionary treatment that stands out among other pain management methods. At the Pain Physicians of Indiana, P.C., located in Merrillville, Indiana, interventional pain physician Tarek H. Shahbandar, MD, offers spinal stimulation that involves a small implanted electrical device to block your pain signals and improve your quality of life. Spinal stimulation is a consistent, safe, successful, and long-lasting solution that gives you more control over how and when you treat your pain. Find out how this advanced treatment works and call the Pain Physicians of Indiana, P.C., office or click to schedule an appointment online.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Q & A
What is spinal cord stimulation (SCS)?
Chronic pain is typically defined as lasting more than six weeks and is often accompanied by a chronic health condition. Chronic pain persists beyond the normally expected recovery period. When you have chronic pain, abnormal pain signals are sent through your spinal cord to your brain.
SCS provides pain relief by delivering a consistent current of low-voltage electricity through your spinal cord to block the pain sensations. This treatment is highly effective for treating chronic pain in your legs, back, and arms.
How does SCS work?
The first step of SCS involves implanting the device on a trial basis for three to eight days. This allows you and Dr. Tarek Shahbandar to evaluate the effectiveness of the device in managing your pain.
For your trial, you lie down on your stomach, and Dr. Shahbandar first applies local anesthesia to numb the targeted area. Guided by a live video X-ray, Dr. Shahbandar gently inserts a hollow needle through your skin and into the epidural space (between your spinal cord and bone).
Dr. Shahbandar inserts the temporary electrode wires through the needle and carefully positions them over specific nerves. You wear an external pulse generator on a special belt, and the wires are attached to the pulse generator.
What can I expect during my SCS procedure?
SCS is typically a one-hour procedure involving light sedation, and you can usually return home the same day.
Similar to the trial, you lie down on your stomach, and Dr. Shahbandar applies local anesthesia and uses a live video X-ray to carefully insert the slender electrode wires through a hollow needle.
Dr. Shahbandar creates a small incision in the middle of your back to expose your vertebrae; sometimes he might need to remove a small portion of the bony arch to make sure there’s enough room to place the wires. Dr. Shahbandar gently secures the wires with sutures in the epidural space just above your spinal cord.
For the final step, Dr. Shahbandar passes the wires under your skin from your spine to your buttock area where he creates a small pocket. After making a small incision, Dr. Shahbandar places the compact battery-powered pulse generator in the pocket under your skin and closes the incision.
Your SCS device is available for use 24 hours a day, even when you drive and sleep. The implanted parts can be switched off or removed at any time. To recharge your device, you simply wear a special charger belt.
Explore the pain-relieving convenience and impressive results of SCS by calling the Pain Physicians of Indiana, P.C., office or click the online scheduler today.
