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If you suffer from chronic back, leg or arm pain, you’ve probably tried many pain relief therapies. If you have and are not currently satisfied with the results, you may want to consider learning more about neurostimulation, which is an effective treatment option for many chronic pain sufferers.1
Neurostimulation therapies are used for pain relief or symptom relief from certain types of chronic pain. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is actually a subcategory of neurostimulation, which also includes peripheral nerve stimulation. SCS and peripheral nerve stimulation use an implanted device—a neurostimulator—to deliver low levels of electrical energy directly to nerve fibers. This direct approach to treating pain at its source can be very effective.
The type of neurostimulation that might be appropriate for your condition depends on many factors, including the cause of your pain, its type, and location. To find out more about neurostimulation, follow our guide below.
What It Is—Neurostimulation is an "advanced" therapy that is used to relieve certain types of chronic pain. "Advanced" means that before deciding on neurostimulation, people have usually tried simpler options to relieve their pain. Neurostimulation therapy does require a minor procedure. This procedure is most commonly performed in two separate stages—a temporary trial and a permanent procedure.
What It Isn't—Neurostimulation is not a cure for what's causing the pain. It's a therapy that's designed to mask your pain by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain. Pain is then replaced with a more pleasant sensation called paresthesia.
What It May Do—Neurostimulation may help reduce your back, leg or arm pain to a manageable level, so you may be able to return to some of the activities you enjoy. Many people consider neurostimulation successful if it reduces their current pain level by 50% or more.
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If Neurostimulation sounds interesting to you, use this guide below as a quick list to help you get started.
All About Spinal Cord Stimulation
What is Pain?
References
1Barolat, G et al. Epidural spinal cord stimulation with multiple electrode paddle lead is effective in treating intractable low back pain. Neuromodulation. 2001 Apr;4(2):59-66.
