Reclaim your Active Life with Spinal Cord Stimulation

BySam Walton

Spinal cord stimulation (or SCS) is a minimally invasive treatment that helps patients obtain pain relief when other non-surgical pain treatments have failed to provide enough relief.

SCS involves implanting a spinal cord stimulator device in the body. The device sends mild electrical impulses that interfere with the pain signals, changing the way the brain perceives pan.

SCS is used to help people with a variety of chronic painconditions, including –

  • Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (pain that has not been eased by other treatments including surgery)
  • Angina or heart pain
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Persistent pain after surgery
  • Arachnoiditis or inflammation of the thin membrane covering the spinal cord and brain

The SCS device includes electrodes that are implantedbetween the vertebrae and the spinal cord. The generator is implanted placed under the skin. A remote control can be used, as needed, to trigger electrical pulses for pain control.

Since the spinal cord stimulator provides pain relief, patients able to return to many activities they had to give up due to chronic pain.

While you can exercise with a spinal cord stimulator, but it is important to go slow and exercise under the supervision of a physical therapist. Once the device is implanted, you any bending, lifting, and twisting, needs to be avoided to allow the body to heal. You can do light exercises, like walking to build physical strength.

An exercise plan after SCS implantation can be as follows (You must follow your doctor’s recommendations. These are only indicative.)

  • After one week of implantation, you can begin with trunk stabilization exercises and safe home exercises like standing heel raises, and marching gently in place
  • Second week onwards, you can do general conditioning exercises for the legs and the upper body. Walk some distance every day.
  • After sixth weeks, non-cardiovascular pool exercises can be added
  • After eight weeks, the person can return to regular work with a regular exercise program. You can participate in less strenuous exercises.

You can swim with a SCS device, but not cardiovascular intensive swimming. But avoid cardiovascular exercises, like jogging and.

The spinal cord stimulator activity protect you, your equipment and prevent the lead (wire) from shifting.

Most patients are able to obtain significant pain relief from spinal cord stimulation. If you or a loved one is suffering from stubborn back pain that hasn’t responded to other treatment options, consult to a pain doctor to check whether you are a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation.

If you are looking for back, neck, knee and other joint pain management doctors, call one of the leading pain management clinics in Illinois, Illinois Pain Institute at 800-340-PAIN Today!