Neck Pain Specialist
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Magnolia Pain Associates
Nina Sandhu, DO
Pain Management Physician located in Dallas, TX & Corsicana, TX
If you’re suffering from chronic pain in your back, neck, or legs, then safe and effective treatment with spinal cord stimulation may be your best option. Nina Sandhu, DO at Magnolia Pain Associates in Dallas, Texas is a chronic pain specialist, and can determine whether spinal cord stimulation can help you regain a pain-free life. Call or book an appointment online to learn more.
Neck Pain Q & A
What is spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is a therapy developed by doctors and has been used for over 40 years to imitate or mask the brain’s pain signals, changing the way your brain receives the information. Instead of feeling the repetitive pain you have been experiencing, your brain won’t receive the pain message, allowing for relief.
Spinal cord stimulation involves the use of a small generator and lead wires that provide stimulation directly to the spinal cord. This stimulation blocks the nerves, which minimizes pain signals to the brain. A hand-held device adjusts the level of therapy to allow for maximum control.
What types of pain can be relieved by spinal cord stimulation?
If the normal means of treating pain like medication and therapy haven’t been successful, you may have a condition that falls into these categories:
- Chronic pain (usually defined as pain over six months)
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Artery disease
- Neuropathy or damage to your nerves
If you feel that your pain falls into one of these categories, you might benefit from spinal cord stimulation. Dr. Sandhu can review your symptoms and determine if this is the best option for you.
What can I expect during the procedure?
There are two methods for spinal cord stimulation: a trial or permanent implantation.
During a spinal cord stimulator trial, the generator is kept on the outside, attaching to small wires that Dr. Sandhu inserts around the spinal canal and secures with a bandage. A spinal cord stimulation trial allows Dr. Sandhu to determine whether you would benefit from the therapy and if it is worth permanent implantation.
With permanent implantation, Dr. Sandhu places the generator under your skin, typically in your abdomen, chest, or buttocks. The permanent device is controlled by an external remote.
Dr. Sandhu performs both procedures in a sterile environment with anesthesia. For the trial procedure, most patients undergo mild levels of sedation.
What should I avoid after the procedure?
There are a couple medical procedures and therapies that should be avoided after implanting a spinal cord stimulator. You should refrain from MRI and diathermy, which is a technique used in physical or occupational therapy where electrically-induced heat is applied to relieve muscles. These can interfere with the generator and cause damage.
Spinal cord stimulation can bring relief from the chronic pain that causes disruption to your life. Call for an appointment or conveniently book online find out more about this proven therapy.