Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a minimally invasive procedure that may be used to alleviate chronic pain in the back, legs, and arms. This treatment involves placing a small device, similar to a pacemaker, under the skin of the flan k or buttocks. The device sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord, which disrupts the pain signals being sent to the brain. This can reduce the amount of pain felt by the patient and improve their quality of life.
Before undergoing SCS, patients will undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. This requires physical examination, imaging tests like MRI, and discussions with the patient's primary care physician or other specialists. A psychological screening is also required by insurance carriers. Patients who have tried other pain treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, without success may be good candidates for SCS.