Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Timothy Groth MD PC is proud to offer innovative treatments like spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to help alleviate chronic pain and improve your quality of life. Here's what you need to know about SCS and what to expect if you're considering this therapy:
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)?
Spinal cord stimulation is a cutting-edge therapy designed to manage chronic pain by delivering mild electrical impulses directly to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with the transmission of pain signals to the brain, effectively reducing or eliminating the sensation of pain. SCS is particularly beneficial for individuals who have not found relief from other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or surgery.
What Conditions Can SCS Treat?
Pain in the back, legs, neck and arms
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
How Do I Know If I Am a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
You may be a candidate for SCS if you meet the following criteria:
✔ You have chronic pain that has not responded to conservative treatments.
✔ You do not have any medical conditions that would preclude you from undergoing the procedure.
✔ You have undergone a successful trial period and experienced significant pain relief and improved functionality.
If you're experiencing chronic pain and are interested in exploring spinal cord stimulation as a treatment option,
we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced pain management specialists.
Together, we can determine the best approach to managing your pain and restoring your quality of life.
If you are determined to be a candidate for SCS, a trial is planned.
What Can I Expect During The Procedure?
Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Process
Before committing to permanent implantation, you'll undergo a trial period to evaluate the effectiveness of SCS in managing your pain. During this trial:
- A temporary stimulator will be placed near your spinal cord via a minimally invasive, in office procedure.
- You'll have the opportunity to test the device and determine if it provides adequate pain relief and improves your daily functioning.
- The trial typically lasts for about one week, allowing you to assess its impact on your pain levels and overall well-being.
Permanent Implantation
If the trial is successful and you and your physician decide to proceed with permanent implantation, the following steps will be taken:
- A small incision will be made to implant the permanent SCS device under the skin, usually in the lower back or buttock area.
- Electrodes will be carefully positioned along the spinal cord to target the specific areas responsible for your pain.
- The device will be programmed according to your individual needs, providing customized pain relief.
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How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate for Intracept®?The Intracept® Procedure is indicated for patients who have had: Chronic low back pain for at least six months, Who have tried conservative care for at least six months and whose MRI shows features consistent with Modic changes – indicating damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation. The Intracept Procedure, as with any procedure, has risks that should be discussed between the patient and medical provider.
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How Long Does Pain Relief Last following the Intracept® Procedure?Most people start to feel pain relief within 2 weeks after the procedure. Clinical evidence demonstrates the majority of patients experience significant improvements in function and pain 3-months post procedure that are sustained more than 5 years after a single treatment.
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Is the Intracept® Procedure painful?Some patients experience 2-3 days of soreness after the procedure, but overall it is very well tolerated and most patients return to normal activities 24 hours later.
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What should I expect after the procedure?Most patients report at least 50% improvement of their chronic, vertebrogenic low back pain at 2 weeks after the procedure.
