Neurostimulation & Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Neurostimulation has benefited hundreds of patients and may be the answer to your chronic pain.
What is Neurostimulation?
Neurostimulation, sometimes called spinal cord stimulation (SCS), is a chronic pain treatment option for people who suffer from various types of neuropathic (nerve) pain. The procedure involves implanting a small device (neurostimulator) that sends electronic pulses through thin wires, or leads, and into a nerve that is causing pain. The pulse created by the neurostimulator disrupts the pain signal before it reaches the brain; resulting in effective pain treatment.
What Types Of Chronic Pain Are Neurostimulators Used For?
Neurostimulation is used for neuropathic pain resulting from:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Chronic neck pain, chronic low back pain
- Shingles pain
- Chemotherapy and radiation treatment pain
- Nerve pain due to hepatitis
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain treatment
- Chronic headache pain
- And more
FAQ’s
Do you offer neurostimulation at your office?
- Yes. In fact, neurostimulator implants and spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
procedures are a primary we offer. Patients come to our office because we are considered a top neurostimulation experts in the country.
How many neurostimulator procedures have you done?
- Our office, and pain treatment expert Michael G. Cassaro, M.D. has performed thousands of implants over 25 years. Dr. Cassaro is considered an authority on the procedure and many doctors consult him for his expertise in chronic pain treatment using neurostimulation.
What if I have chronic pain in more than one area of my body?
- In most cases, the neurostimulation would target the most severe pain. The procedure can be performed with multiple lead wires for multiple nerves, but there may be alternate chronic pain treatments that would benefit less painful nerves instead of neurostimulation. The best thing to do is to make an appointment for a full evaluation of your chronic pain with Dr. Cassaro.
Are there any restrictions after the procedure?
- There are a few minor restrictions, but nothing that would keep you from enjoying your new pain-free life. For the most part, you can do anything; there are athletes that have neurostimulators and even doctors that have benefited from the procedure. Any restriction would be pale in comparison to the restrictions imposed by living with chronic pain. To find out more, make an appointment with Dr. Cassaro.
If my pain gets worse, will the system adapt or will I need future surgeries?
- Your neurostimulator implant will come with a wireless external remote that will allow you to control the level of stimulation. Worsening pain and severe pain were considerations when the devices are engineered. It is rare that your spinal cord stimulation (SCS) device will not be sufficient in relieving your chronic pain.
Will I be able to stop taking pain medications after a neurostimulation procedure?
- It depends. Some people are completely medication-free. Others take considerable less. Each person is different and other factors such as pain tolerance should be considered. What may seem bad to some is barely noticeable to others. In almost all cases, there is considerable improvement and the need for pain medication is greatly reduced or not needed.
How much of the cost will I be responsible for?
- Just about every insurance carrier classifies neurostimulation as an approved procedure for the treatment of chronic pain. Your usual deductibles and copayments will still apply, as they would in any surgical procedure. Insurance plans can differ greatly and can change without notice at any time.Upon request, we will get an estimate of your out of pocket expense when we get authorization from your insurance company. Of course, you could contact your insurance company directly.
Are there any side effects reported by your patients?
- Most side effects of neurostimulation implant procedures are minor; a little swelling and some tenderness at the site of implantation. These symptoms usually cease after a few weeks. The primary side effect is a huge reduction in chronic pain. Remember, it is important who performs your neurostimulation implant; a well-trained doctor with decades of experience like Dr. Cassaro can make all the difference.
Taking The Next Step
If you are considering neurostimulation, set up a consultation with Dr. Cassaro:
Dr. Cassaro is one of the top pain treatment experts in the country. If you have chronic pain, Painless Living can help. Dr. Cassaro will set up a consultation regarding neurostimulation and spinal cord stimulators (SCS). After a thorough review of your medical records and a thorough examination, it may be determined that you are a candidate for neurostimulation. Scheduling the procedure and recovery will be discussed and you will be on your way to living a pain-free life!