Find Spinal Cord Stimulation for Neuropathic Pain

There are many types of pain, and pain management is a complex and still-developing field of medicine. For patients, one of the most frustrating types of pain can be neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is a chronic type of pain that occurs due to damage to the nerve cells themselves. One emerging and effective form of treatment for neuropathic pain is spinal cord stimulation.

About Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain occurs because of damage to the nerves. Since it's the nerves themselves that are the problem, treatment is complex. While an issue like pain from a broken leg can be fixed by repairing the leg, neuropathy must address the actual nerve cells.

There are many possible causes of neuropathy. Some of the most common include:

• Alcoholism
• Chemotherapy
• Botched spine surgery
• Back and spine problems
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Amputation
• HIV and AIDS

About Spinal Cord Stimulation

As the name implies, spinal cord stimulation stimulates the nerves in the spinal cord in order to treat pain. The treatment is long-term: a stimulator is implanted into the body, so that the nerves will be stimulated throughout the day.

This treatment sends an electrical impulse through the nerves that normally transmit pain to the brain. As a result, the transmission of pain is interrupted, resulting in pain relief.

Your doctor will teach you how to use the stimulator, and will prescribe a treatment regime designed for your needs. Most patients use the stimulator several times a day, for about 1-2 hours at a time.

Am I a Candidate?

Many people with chronic pain from neuropathy are candidates for spinal cord stimulation, particularly those with issues such as pain after a failed back surgery. Your doctor will usually only recommend this treatment option if other treatments have failed, since there are more side effects than with more conservative treatment methods.

Only a doctor can tell you whether or not this, or any other type of treatment, is right for your particular situation. To schedule a consultation about whether or not spinal cord stimulation is right for you, please contact the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center by clicking below and entering your information or calling (646) 374-1799.