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Spinal Cord Stimulator SCS

Third tier advanced pain therapy for chronic severe neuropathic pain that has exhausted all other treatments and modalities. The SCS creates an electrical field arround the posterior spinal column and modulates the pain signal perceived by the Central Nervous System (CNS). The nerve pain is converted to a soothing, tingling buzzing sensation.

Spinal Cord Stimulator is used for the following conditions:

  • Failed Laminectomy Syndrome
  • Spinal Stenosis without operative options
  • Chronic Radiculapathy
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
  • Generalized Peripheral Neuropathy

How does Spinal Cord Stimulation work?

SCS is an electrical modulation of the spinal cord signaling perceived by the Central Nervous System by stimulating the dorsal column fibers. The SCS lead is placed via the epidural space and configured to provide adequate coverage. A trial is done first in order to test the outcome prior to permanent implantation (i.e. a test run).

What to expect from the Trial Run

A screener will be attached to the electrode leads in the epidural space. An electrical impulse will be delivered and configured to cover one's normal pain with a soothing tingling sensation. You will be awake during the trial leads configuration to ensure adequate pain coverage. You will leave the trial with an external battery pack and remote control to continue to monitor pain coverage for 3-5 days.

Implantation of the Spinal Cord Stimulator

  • A trial is deemed successful if the patient reports a 50% reduction in pain, improved function and less opiate use.
  • Cognitive ability and motivation to use this device.
  • Realistic expectations of benefits and limitations.
  • Psychological clearance to rectify any underlying psychiatric impediments (i.e. depression and anxiety).
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Related Testimonials
  • Interventional Procedure "Dr. Safman is caring and communicates well. The discomfort from the spinal injection is very minor. She makes it an easy procedure." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "I think Dr. Safman is an excellent clinician. I totally trust her sticking long needles into me. She is good at explaining what she is doing and at asking how you are doing during the course of the treatment." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Just explaining what he was doing during the procedure made it very easy." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Pain Management "Dr. Safman provided a clear explanation of my back condition and provided valuable options on how to relieve my pain." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Her compassion and expertise. Her team is very caring and efficient." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Pain Management "Super caring, very knowledgeable, handles you with care." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "He explained my condition well and educating me further. Also he and his team were very caring." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "The care team is great. They do keep an eye on you if you are having a problem." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Very friendly and comforting during the procedure. Great experience in what could be a stressful environment." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Pain Management "Lindsey listened to what I told her and helped me with my problems." Provider: Lindsay Charlu Baumhefner PA-C
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Got back to me quickly with answers to my questions" Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "I felt like the entire team was very caring." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
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