Searching for an effective treatment option to address chronic pain is no easy feat. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers hope to those struggling to find relief and has become an attractive prospect at SOLUTIONS Pain & Spine’s state-of-the-art pain clinics in Peachtree Corners and Buford, GA, where we specialize in innovative pain management treatments including SCS trialing process. In this post, we’ll walk through what to expect as part of an SCS journey to relief.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Overview
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) uses an electrical stimulation device that delivers low levels of electrical current directly into the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. SCS may help relieve chronic back pain, leg pain, and arm pain such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Neuropathic pain conditions that have not responded well to traditional approaches.
Step-by-Step Guide for an SCS Trial Process
The journey toward potentially life-altering relief begins with an SCS trial process, designed to ensure Spinal Cord Stimulation is the optimal solution for managing pain.
#1. Consultation and Evaluation: Your journey starts in Peachtree Corners or Buford, Georgia where our pain management specialists conduct a comprehensive evaluation. This first consultation allows us to understand your history of discomfort and determine if SCS could be suitable.
#2. Pre-Trial Preparation: Once selected as a candidate, we’ll walk you through what to expect during a trial. Education plays a central role in our approach and ensures you remain fully informed and comfortable as the trial proceeds.
#3. Trial Procedure of Spinal Cord Stimulation: The trial process is minimally invasive and performed outpatient. This involves temporarily placing SCS leads near your spinal cord, linked to an external trial stimulator which you wear for approximately one week, allowing you to experience real-world scenarios where spinal cord stimulation might take effect.
#4. Assessing Trial Results: As part of your trial, it’s essential that you keep a pain diary to track changes in pain levels and daily activity improvements during your time using SCS therapy. Keeping track of such information allows us to assess the SCS system’s efficacy in managing pain effectively.
#5. Post-Trial Evaluation: At the conclusion of your trial week, we’ll meet at our either the Peachtree Corners or Buford pain clinic to review your experience and discuss your experience. If the trial was successful in reducing pain by at least 50%, then it may qualify you as an SCS device candidate permanently.
#6. Transition to Permanent SCS: For those who find significant relief during a trial SCS device implantation process, the next step may be permanent SCS device placement. Although more involved than its trial counterpart, this procedure aims to provide long-term pain management solutions.
The SOLUTIONS Pain & Spine’s Difference
Deciding to explore spinal cord stimulation is a big decision, and our experienced pain management specialists in Peachtree Corners and Buford, GA are committed to offering personalized care tailored for you. We understand the difficulties associated with chronic pain conditions and offer innovative pain relief solutions, so you don’t feel alone on your journey toward relief.
Beginning an SCS trial process can be an exciting journey full of hope and transformation. With expert care from SOLUTIONS Pain & Spine’s SCS specialists and guidance through this innovative treatment option, you may experience less pain and more possibilities in the near future. Let us be your guides as we help pave the way toward an easier tomorrow.