5 Reasons to Consider PRP Therapy as an Athlete
You’ve got healing power coursing through your veins — we want to help you harness it. Keep reading to learn how this innovative treatment helps athletes heal and perform their best.
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Nerve Pain: What to Expect
Chronic nerve pain can be relentless. It often starts as a dull, burning ache that develops into a persistent pain.
Over time, it begins to shape everyday life, dictating how long you can sit, stand, or even sleep. Medications may dull the discomfort, but they often don’t solve the problem. When those traditional treatments aren’t enough, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can offer a new path forward.
If you’ve heard about spinal cord stimulation but aren’t sure what it really involves, you’re not alone. The idea of a device near your spine can sound intimidating at first. But for many patients, SCS provides meaningful relief and a chance to reclaim their daily lives.
Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain have years of experience treating different causes of nerve pain with spinal cord stimulation. In this blog, we address the most common concerns and frequently asked questions.
How spinal cord stimulation works
Spinal cord stimulation targets pain at its source: the nervous system. A small, implantable device delivers mild electrical pulses to specific areas along your spinal cord.
These pulses don’t eliminate pain; instead, they interrupt and dull the pain signals before they reach your brain, causing the intensity to decrease or change in how it’s perceived.
We like to think of it as “turning down the volume” on nerve pain. The stimulator’s gentle tingling sensation replaces the constant ache or burning you once felt.
The ideal candidate
Spinal cord stimulation isn’t typically a first-line treatment, but it can be a life-changing option for people who haven’t found relief through other methods. We recommend it for:
- Chronic pain after surgery (failed back surgery syndrome)
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Neuropathy or nerve damage
- Sciatica or radicular pain
Dr. Wu carefully evaluates your pain condition and current health status to determine whether it’s the right next step for your situation.
Step one: The trial
Before committing to a permanent implant, you first undergo a trial period. This is one of the biggest advantages of spinal cord stimulation: You get to “test drive” the therapy first.
We place a temporary device (using minimally invasive techniques) that’s hooked up to an external controller you use to adjust the stimulation.
The trial typically lasts about a week. During that time, you’ll see how well it controls your pain and how it fits into your daily life. If you experience meaningful relief, you can move forward with the permanent implant.
Step two: The permanent implant
We place the permanent device during a short outpatient procedure. A small pulse generator is placed under the skin (usually in the lower back or buttock area), and thin leads are inserted along the spinal cord. After a brief period of observation, you can go home the same day.
The recovery period is typically mild. Expect some tenderness and soreness, but you should be able to return to normal activities within a few weeks.
Life with an SCS device
Once implanted, spinal cord stimulators are fully adjustable. You have a remote control that allows you to increase or decrease the stimulation based on your activity and comfort. Modern systems are rechargeable or can last several years without replacement.
You’ll notice the most significant changes affect not only your pain levels, but also your quality of life — better sleep, increased mobility, and reduced dependence on medications, just to name a few.
Busting common myths
Some worry that spinal cord stimulation is “too invasive” or only for severe cases. In reality, it’s minimally invasive, reversible, and designed to be personalized. If it doesn’t work as expected, we can remove the device and move on to our next recommendation.
Another misconception is that spinal cord stimulation only masks pain without addressing its cause. While it doesn’t cure nerve damage, it can make pain manageable enough to allow you to stay active and participate in therapies that support long-term health.
Getting back to a pain-free life
Spinal cord stimulation might not be the quick relief you were hoping for. Still, it is a proven tool for managing chronic nerve pain when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief — and it means freedom from constant pain and a chance to return to the activities they love.
If nerve pain is interfering with your daily life, talking with a pain management specialist like Dr. Wu about spinal cord stimulation could be the first step toward real relief. Call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Does Sciatica Pain Go Away on Its Own?
Struggling with sciatica with no end in sight? That’s because sciatica doesn’t always go away on its own. But when you team up with our experts, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Keep reading to learn more.
All About Facet Joint Injections for Neck Pain
Ready to get rid of neck pain? You first have to tackle the underlying cause. In this blog, we dive into a lesser-known cause of neck pain and the injections that treat it.
Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Require Surgery?
Not every case of carpal tunnel ends in the operating room. From wrist splints and activity changes to targeted injections, discover the many ways to manage your symptoms before deciding on surgery.
5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, but it doesn’t have to be a part of your life. With just a few daily habits, you can strengthen your spine, reduce strain, and keep your back healthy for years to come.
Why Do I Have Migraines So Frequently?
If migraines are disrupting your life more days than not, you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining it. This blog covers the most common reasons migraines strike so often and what real relief can look like.