Spinal Cord Stimulator Treatment in New Jersey
Pain acts as a warning sign of injury, prompting a person to rest and take care. The nerves enable the body and brain to communicate through pain signals. In patients with nerve damage, pain signals might go to the brain even without injury. Chronic pain develops and can significantly reduce a patient’s quality of life. In many cases, spine surgeons may recommend a spinal cord stimulator to provide relief.
NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is an advanced spine surgery center that provides cutting-edge approaches to spine procedures. With locations throughout New Jersey in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, Freehold, and Hainesport, NU-Spine offers spinal cord stimulator surgery based on each patient’s needs.
What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) generates mild electrical impulses to interfere with pain signals moving back and forth between the spinal cord and the brain. Spinal cord stimulators feature three components – the neurostimulator, lead wire, and remote control. The neurostimulator device sends electrical signals, and the lead wire delivers these impulses. The remote control allows the patient to adjust the stimulation level and turn the neurostimulator on or off. Some devices come with a rechargeable battery, while others require no charging.
Spinal cord stimulators are implanted near the spine. Patients may receive one of two types of SCS, including:
- Traditional stimulators: Masks sensations of pain with a gentle tingling.
- High-frequency stimulators: Reduces pain without tingling.
A spinal cord stimulator does not resolve chronic pain due to nerve damage. Instead, it keeps patients from feeling this pain.
Who Should Consider a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
After diagnosing patients with a spine condition or injury, many spine specialists first recommend conservative treatments such as medication or physical therapy. However, these approaches might not alleviate symptoms. The same is true of certain spine procedures. Spinal cord stimulator surgery may be the right treatment for helping patients experience relief. Plus, it can reduce the need for prescription pain medication, allowing patients to maintain an active lifestyle without worrying about developing a dependency on prescription drugs.
To be considered for SCS surgery, a patient must meet the following requirements:
- Chronic pain has not responded well to any other treatment.
- Other spine procedures are not feasible for the patient.
- Chronic pain will not cause physical degradation (which an SCS will not fix).
Conditions for which SCS surgery might be beneficial include:
- Chronic back pain, leg pain, or neck pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome (chronic pain and inflammation developing after an injury or medical event like a heart attack)
- Cervical (neck) degenerative disc disease
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Lumbar (lower back) stenosis
- Peripheral neuropathic pain (pain occurring because of damage to the peripheral nervous system)
- Thoracic (mid-back) pinched or compressed nerve
- Post-laminectomy syndrome
What Happens During Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery at NU-Spine?
NU-Spine is led by Branko Skovrlj, MD. This leading, board-certified neurosurgeon emphasizes minimally invasive spine surgery whenever possible and tailors treatments to the unique situations of each patient.
Following a thorough physical examination and medical history, Dr. Skovrlj will determine whether a patient is a viable candidate for a spinal cord stimulator. To ensure the treatment is successful, Dr. Skovrlj will begin with temporary SCS surgery before transitioning to permanent SCS surgery.
Temporary Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery
The spine surgeon makes a small incision in the back and uses imagery from a live CT scan to guide the placement of electrodes. The patient wears the neurostimulator outside the body for about one week. If temporary SCS surgery relieves at least 50% of the pain, the spine surgeon can proceed with permanent surgery. If the temporary procedure is unsuccessful, the electrodes are easy to remove.
Permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery
During permanent SCS surgery, the spine surgeon implants the lead wire in the epidural space near the spine and the neurotransmitter under the skin. Once the device is properly connected and running, the surgeon will close the incision.
Both temporary and permanent SCS surgery are typically outpatient procedures. Patients may either receive a local anesthetic or go under general anesthesia. Patients go home the same day as their surgery in most cases once the anesthesia wears off.
Dr. Skovrlj will provide instructions for recovery, including some activities to avoid or limit. Patients should refrain from twisting, bending, lifting, or stretching for a few weeks after the procedure. Patients can remove the surgical dressing from the incision site within a few days, as recovery instructions will detail. Patients should expect some temporary pain and swelling at the incision site immediately following SCS surgery.
Cutting-Edge Spine Surgery in NJ
For advanced and minimally invasive spine procedures, trust NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. A world-renowned and award-winning neurosurgeon, Dr. Skovrlj has extensive experience treating complex spine conditions and can identify when a patient is the right candidate for a spinal cord stimulator. With locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, Freehold, and Hainesport, NU-Spine serves patients throughout New Jersey and beyond, taking the time to understand their symptoms and deliver the best treatment.
Transform your life with a touch of care! Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
