At the SamWell Institute for Pain Management, in Colonia, Livingston, and Englewood, New Jersey, we believe that innovation is the key to improving patient care.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has long been one of our staple treatments for managing chronic pain, but recent technological advances are transforming its already impressive results.
Here, Dr. Jay M. Shah and Dr. Kevin Ko explain how these advancements could enhance your treatment options.
Spinal cord stimulation is an FDA-approved therapy that uses electrical currents to block pain signals before they reach your brain. We implant a small device under your skin, which delivers these currents via electrodes placed along your spinal cord.
We typically recommend SCS for patients with chronic pain in their back, arms, or legs who haven’t found relief through conservative treatments.
Here’s how new breakthroughs are making this proven therapy even better for patients like you.
Modern SCS devices are now smaller and equipped with rechargeable batteries, making them more comfortable for daily use. Smaller devices mean easier implantation and less pain. Rechargeability extends the device’s lifespan, so you won’t need additional surgeries to replace the battery.
Traditional SCS devices deliver a steady stream of electrical stimulation, which may not match every patient’s needs. Closed-loop systems, however, monitor real-time feedback from your spinal cord and dynamically adjust stimulation levels. This helps ensure you stay comfortable even when you’re moving.
Not all pain is the same, which is why today’s SCS devices let you adjust the stimulation for your specific needs. This improvement is one of our patients’ favorites because it puts them in the driver’s seat, allowing them to align their therapy with their unique pain patterns.
Traditional SCS relied on a tingling sensation (paresthesia) to mask pain. However, newer devices can deliver sub-perception stimulation, which alleviates your pain without causing the tingling sensation.
Wireless SCS systems have eliminated the need for bulky components, making devices easier to use. The technology also means that these wireless devices are compatible with MRI scans, so you can undergo critical imaging tests without disrupting your SCS therapy.
While initially designed to treat conditions like failed back surgery syndrome, SCS is now being explored for additional uses. For example, there’s growing interest in its potential to alleviate movement disorders and to help people recover after spinal cord injuries.
These innovations aren’t just about improving technology; they’re about improving lives. At the SamWell Institute for Pain Management, we strive to offer treatments that provide lasting relief and enhance overall quality of life.
If you’ve struggled with chronic pain and previous treatments haven’t worked, it’s worth exploring whether spinal cord stimulation is right for you.
Call SamWell Institute for Pain Management today, or book your consultation online to talk with Dr. Shah or Dr. Ko about SCS.
