A new twist on an ancient form of pain relief is being used to treat many with chronic back pain. Spinal cord stimulation uses electrical impulses to block pain from being perceived in the brain. Instead of pain, the patient feels a mild tingling sensation.
“Life just slowed down,” said Betty Jones. “It was not worth living much, but you go on anyway with the pain,” Jones added.
Jones injured her back in a car accident 40 years ago.
“I was in the hospital and had therapy, but I never got rid of the pain,” Jones said.
Not wanting to undergo surgery she decided to try spinal cord stimulation, a treatment that sends electricity up and down the spine to mask the pain.
A new twist on an ancient form of pain relief is being used to treat many with chronic back pain. Spinal cord stimulation uses electrical impulses to block pain from being perceived in the brain. Instead of pain, the patient feels a mild tingling sensation. Casey Bortnick has more.
“We were able to change that sensation into a more pleasant feeling,” said anesthesiologist Dr. Roger Ng.
A device some call a "pacemaker for pain" is inserted into through the epidural space in the back of the spine.
“We are able to remove the stylet and place the wire into the area of the spine we want to stimulate,” said Dr. Ng.
The wires sit on top of the spinal cord changing pain messages sent to the brain. It has been greatly effective for people who have chronic pain. The wires are connected to an implanted rechargeable battery. The electrical pulses can be controlled by the patient to relieve the pain.
Six weeks after the procedure Jones says her pain is more manageable.
“Compared to what it used to be, it is nothing,” said Jones.
Now Jones is back to living life on her terms.
“If I want to go shopping, I go shopping,” said Jones. “If I want to go out to eat, I go out to eat. I can do whatever I want,” she added.