Top 5 Spinal Cord Stimulator Advantages You Should Know

Chronic pain can significantly affect your life, and you are not alone. Over 100 million Americans are affected by the condition. Fortunately, a spinal cord stimulator is a great option for pain that fails to respond to other treatments. The treatment involves using electrical impulses to block pain signals from the brain. The spinal cord stimulator Englewood Cliffs specialists recommend treating chronic pain in the back, legs, and arms. You might gain from the treatment if you are enduring neuropathic pain or have tried medications, but your pain seems not to respond. The treatment comes with several advantages, as outlined herein.

1. Reversible Treatment

Spinal cord stimulation is a good option when avoiding surgery to manage chronic pain. Surgery is one-way spinal cord stimulation that can be adjusted and reversed. Remember also that surgery can be risky and a bit expensive and can leave you with some permanent alterations in your body. Fortunately, spinal cord stimulation can be discontinued anytime since only the wires, implant, and electrical contacts must be removed when necessary. Also, the treatment is adjustable, and you can control the level of electrical impulses you get.  

2. There is a Trial

You get a chance to see whether you can gain from spinal cord stimulation before making the final decision. Remember, there is no turning back with spine surgery, and you must live with any aftermath if surgery does not work. But spinal cord stimulation allows you to undergo a trial period, and you will not have to undergo the treatment if the trial fails. You will wear an external generator attached to wires placed in specific nerves. Your doctor monitors you for 4-7 days, and you will later discuss if t is necessary t get a permanent implant.

3. Only a Few Side Effects are Involved

No treatment that does not involve some level of side effects. Spinal cord stimulation is not exceptional and causes minor discomfort during the wires and implant placement. However, this is nothing compared to the risks of surgery. No lengthy recovery is needed, and you will not need post-operation pain medications that could have additional adverse effects. Besides, healing only takes a few days and not weeks or months in surgery.

4. No Need for Additional Treatments

The spinal cord stimulation offers significant pain relief, and you will not require additional pain medications. Remember that you might need drugs like opioids after surgery which are highly addictive. Remember that pain relievers should only be used for a short period. Also, you might need to undergo physical therapy after back surgery, which is unnecessary with spinal cord stimulation. However, physical therapy is good for your overall well-being.

5. Cost Effective

Living with chronic pain can be expensive since you have to rely on pain medications, and so is seeking some treatments like surgery. Fortunately, spinal cord stimulation is inexpensive compared to other chronic pain treatments. There are no additional costs, such as postoperative medication or physical therapy fees. Different providers might charge differently, and it is important to consult your doctor adequately about the total cost of your treatment.

Reach out to the spinal cord stimulator specialists at the University Pain Medicine Center for help if you think you can gain from the treatment. Make a call today to book your consultation or seek an appointment online.