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WWW.PINKERTONPAIN.COM
| 417-781-7246 |
Spinal Cord Stimulation
This site is not intended to be a substitute for
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is similar to a pacemaker. In fact, you may hear them referred to as "pacemakers for pain."
A small generator or "battery" is surgically implanted under the skin, usually in the buttock area. Attached to the battery is
one or two very small wires called leads. These leads are then guided up to an area above where your pain is in your
spine an attached there. Low level electrical signals are then transmitted from the battery through the lead to the spinal
cord and these signals essentially block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a remote control, the SCS can be
turned on and off and the intensity can be adjusted. The sensations felt by the stimulator are different for everyone;
however, most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling feeling, far better than the pain they felt before.
Are you a candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
This treatment is not for everyone. Only you and your physician can decide if an SCS is right for you. Generally, a patient
may be considered if conservative treatments have not been successful and if the patient has failed surgery or if surgery
is not likely to help. The patient must not have any untreated drug addictions. Every patient undergoing SCS must have
and initial psychological evaluation. The patient may not have a pacemaker or other contraindications. The patient has to
undergo a successful trial period with the spinal cord stimulator before being implanted with a permanent SCS.
What happens before Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Dr. Pinkerton requires that you have an initial evaluation by him prior to having any form of treatment. This is an
opportunity for you and him to get to know each other. He will examine you thoroughly and review all of your medical
history and medication. You should be prepared to ask any questions at this time. This procedure is generally not done
in our office. You can expect to be scheduled for this procedure at a later date.
What happens after Spinal Cord Stimulation?
You will be given a specific treatment plan once you have received an SCS. You may require future visits with a
representative from the company that owns the device to have it reprogrammed to make sure it is still working properly for
you. Depending on the kind of battery you have you may need to have the battery surgically replaced in the future. You
need to keep in contact with your physician for further instructions on the care and maintenance of your SCS.
What are the results?
Spinal cord stimulation allows you to be in control of your pain relief. You decide when you need it and how much
stimulation you need. Most patients report a 50% - 70% decrease in pain; however, as with any treatment, there is no
guarantee that SCS will work for you.
What are the risks?
Potential complications include infection, bleeding, headache, allergic reaction, spinal fluid leakage, and paralysis.
For more information visit these sites: www.poweroveryourpain.com and www.controlyourpain.com
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is similar to a pacemaker. In fact, you may hear them referred to as "pacemakers for pain."
A small generator or "battery" is surgically implanted under the skin, usually in the buttock area. Attached to the battery is
one or two very small wires called leads. These leads are then guided up to an area above where your pain is in your
spine an attached there. Low level electrical signals are then transmitted from the battery through the lead to the spinal
cord and these signals essentially block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a remote control, the SCS can be
turned on and off and the intensity can be adjusted. The sensations felt by the stimulator are different for everyone;
however, most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling feeling, far better than the pain they felt before.
Are you a candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
This treatment is not for everyone. Only you and your physician can decide if an SCS is right for you. Generally, a patient
may be considered if conservative treatments have not been successful and if the patient has failed surgery or if surgery
is not likely to help. The patient must not have any untreated drug addictions. Every patient undergoing SCS must have
and initial psychological evaluation. The patient may not have a pacemaker or other contraindications. The patient has to
undergo a successful trial period with the spinal cord stimulator before being implanted with a permanent SCS.
What happens before Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Dr. Pinkerton requires that you have an initial evaluation by him prior to having any form of treatment. This is an
opportunity for you and him to get to know each other. He will examine you thoroughly and review all of your medical
history and medication. You should be prepared to ask any questions at this time. This procedure is generally not done
in our office. You can expect to be scheduled for this procedure at a later date.
What happens after Spinal Cord Stimulation?
You will be given a specific treatment plan once you have received an SCS. You may require future visits with a
representative from the company that owns the device to have it reprogrammed to make sure it is still working properly for
you. Depending on the kind of battery you have you may need to have the battery surgically replaced in the future. You
need to keep in contact with your physician for further instructions on the care and maintenance of your SCS.
What are the results?
Spinal cord stimulation allows you to be in control of your pain relief. You decide when you need it and how much
stimulation you need. Most patients report a 50% - 70% decrease in pain; however, as with any treatment, there is no
guarantee that SCS will work for you.
What are the risks?
Potential complications include infection, bleeding, headache, allergic reaction, spinal fluid leakage, and paralysis.
For more information visit these sites: www.poweroveryourpain.com and www.controlyourpain.com
This site is not intended to be a substitute for
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.