Even though 75-85% of people in the United States suffer from back pain, 90% experience improvement without the need for surgery. However, if you’ve tried other treatments and feel like you’ve run out of options, you should talk to us about a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation.
At The Spine & Pain Center of California, we offer spinal cord stimulation if your pain hasn’t improved with other nonsurgical treatments. Navin Mallavaram, MD, QME, and the rest of our team, serve the entire Bay Area with offices in Pleasanton and Fremont, California, with the most expert care.
Back pain is no joke. It can affect your ability to stand up or move, and in severe cases, contribute to a loss of your bladder or bowels. It can also cause you to have a fever, weakness in your legs, and numbness in your groin area.
To learn more about spinal cord stimulation, we want you to know the following information about how it can help your back pain.
Spinal cord stimulation explained
When you experience pain in your body, your nerves send a signal to your brain to let you know that there’s an issue. To stop the signals from reaching the brain, we surgically place a battery-powered, SCS under your skin. When we turn it on, the SCS device sends electrical currents to your spinal cord and stimulates the nerves in the affected area. Your pain weakens because the pulses of energy stop the signal of pain from getting to your brain.
The SCS doesn’t eliminate the root problem of your pain. Instead, it disrupts the communication between the source of your pain and your brain. Ultimately, if the brain doesn’t know there’s pain, then your body doesn’t feel any. Your pain reduction depends on the amount of interference the SCS delivers.
Who is a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
Before implanting a permanent SCS device, we perform a temporary trial run before implementing the device permanently. Our goal is to reduce your pain by 50-70%. In some cases, a SCS doesn’t work. That’s why we perform a trial first.
Depending on the type of SCS system we use for your specific condition, you might experience different results. To determine the best solution for you, we first give you a thorough exam for an accurate diagnosis.
If you have back pain, you need to know your options. Our consultations provide you with information about all treatments and therapies we offer. We also explain the benefits and risks involved, so you can make the right decision for your needs.
Contact us for an appointment at our Pleasanton or Fremont locations. You can call us, book online, or send us a message.
