According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, right around four out of every five adults will have some issues with back pain throughout their lifetime. Along with this, over 1.5 billion people suffer every day with some type of chronic pain. If are part of this large group, then it is time to find the solutions you deserve to live a more comfortable life.
One option for those experiencing pain is spinal cord stimulation therapy. If you have tried countless remedies for relieving discomfort and nothing works, then find a neurosurgeon or back specialist today to discuss this possibility. It may be just the answer you are looking for.
How Does It Work?
Spinal cord stimulation therapy works by having a device inserted near your spinal cord to block the pain you experience. It essentially replaces the feelings of pain with a more pleasant sensation, thus blocking your brain from registering any discomfort.
Many patients who received this treatment were able to minimize the number of pain medications they took. One study showed that some patients who had been in chronic pain for well over a decade were able to reduce their opioid medications significantly, while others were able to stop use altogether.
Another study surveyed people one to two years after starting their spinal cord stimulation therapy and revealed that around 60% reported reduced pain. All in all, it seems to be a very worthwhile consideration.
Beginning This Process
So, how does one go about starting the process of having a spinal cord stimulator device implanted? Well, first you must find a neurosurgeon who specializes in this type of pain management. They can evaluate your unique situation, then let you know if you would be a good candidate for a trial process.
If so, you will be numbed, then the doctor will place the device in the appropriate place along the spinal cord. All in all, the procedure should take less than an hour, and you will be able to go home afterward.
After a few days, you can revisit your neurologist or doctor and determine together whether or not the device would adequately meet your pain relief needs.
Making It Permanent
If your trial went well, then a minimally-invasive surgery will be set up to have a stimulator permanently implanted. Neurosurgical operations can come across as worrisome events, but these procedures are typically done within a matter of hours, and most patients are released from the hospital that very same day.
All in all, it is a relatively simply process that could provide you with immense amounts of relief. You deserve to feel at ease in your own body so find a neurosurgeon to work with, so you can find the right solutions for you today.