Are you suffering from back pain and have you undergone multiple spinal injections, spinal surgery and sessions of physiotherapy? Is pain relief the only thing that gives you mild relief, and are your activities of daily living are still limited? Dr Towlerman at the Fortius Clinic states that 5-6% of patients will still suffer with back pain 5 years after conservative treatment or surgery. So what else is out there to help you manage your symptoms?
A Spinal Cord Stimulator is a battery-operated device that stimulates the dorsal horn in the spine. Pain radiates up the spine via the dorsal horn and the Stimulator provides pain relief by the pain gate theory. This states that the spinal cord contains a neurological “gate” that either blocks or allows pain signals to continue onto the brain. The “gate” is closed to pain signals when sensory nerves are stimulated and their signals travel to the brain quicker than pain nerves. The Spinal Cord Stimulator provides a TENS like sensation, but unlike the TENS machine your body will not get used to the sensation. The similarity with the TENS machine is it can be turned on and off, varied in intensity and used during different activities. Pain consultants believe that the Spinal Cord Stimulator is most effective for patients with chronic back pain, leg pain, chronic regional pain syndrome, refractory angina and piriformis syndrome.
After the stimulator has been inserted, it is recommended that you should have physiotherapy to re-learn normal movement, strengthen your muscles and learn the correct way to perform tasks. This has shown to reduce the use of the stimulator over time due to the reduction in pain.
Are you looking to work with a physio after having a Spinal Cord Stimulator implant? Our specialist physios are able to see you at home and we can often arrange the first appointment within 24 hours. Contact us today on 0207 884 0374 or email info@physiocomestoyou.com.