Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Diagnosis & Understanding
11. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
12. CRPS I
1:57
13. Central Sensitization Syndrome
1:48
14. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Stellate Ganglion Injection
1:52
4. Lumbar Sympathetic Injection
1:36
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. CRPS I
1:57
5. Nerve Blocks
2:07
6. Nerve Blocks
2:07
7. EMG Nerve Conduction Study
1:26
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
1. Hydrodissection
1:33
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
3. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Diabetic Neuropathy SCS
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
1. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Interspinous Fusion (midline or lateral approach)
Diagnosis & Understanding
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
3. Bracing
1:30
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRG)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. Pelvic and Perineal Pain
1:52
7. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. CRPS I
1:57
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Lumbar Sympathetic Injection
1:36
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
3. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Neck or Cervical Pain
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Caudal Epidural
1:33
5. Facet Joint Injection
1:44
10. Interventional Pain Procedures
1:58
13. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Low back or Lumbar Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Herniated Disc
1:58
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Headaches
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Migraine
2:04
2. Tension Headache
1:50
3. Cluster Headache
1:53
4. Occipital Neuralgia
2:02
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
1:35
6. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
4. Acupuncture
2:13
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Botox (Migraines/Dystonia)
2:07
3. Sphenopalatine Block
1:47
6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
3. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
4. Laser Therapy
2:05
5. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Spinal Cord Stimulation Paddle Leads
1746880703
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a treatment for chronic pain that uses mild electrical signals to block pain messages before they reach the brain. This is done by placing thin wires (paddle leads) near the spinal cord and connecting them to a small pulse generator implanted under the skin near the lower back or abdomen.
The procedure begins with a laminectomy, where a small piece of bone is removed to create space for the leads. These leads then deliver electrical pulses to the nerves, reducing pain sensations.
This treatment may help people with: ✔️ Chronic back or leg pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments. ✔️ Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition causing severe nerve pain. ✔️ Persistent pain after back surgery.
If SCS isn’t the right option, alternatives include: ✔️ Pain medications or physical therapy. ✔️ Less invasive treatments, like injections or a pain pump.
As with any surgery, there are some risks, including: ✔️ Infection at the surgical site or, rarely, in the spinal canal. ✔️ Lead movement, which may require adjustment. ✔️ Nerve damage (very rare). ✔️ Spinal cord injury or paralysis (extremely rare). ✔️ Epidural bleeding, which can put pressure on the spinal cord. ✔️ Spinal cord compression, which may require additional treatment if symptoms develop.
Symptoms of epidural bleeding and spinal cord compression to watch for include: ✔️ Severe back pain that worsens over time. ✔️ Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs. ✔️ Loss of bladder or bowel control. ✔️ Difficulty walking or sudden coordination problems.
Before surgery, you may need tests and may have to stop certain medications like blood thinners. After the procedure, avoiding bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects for a few weeks allows for proper healing and device function.
If you're struggling with chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation may provide relief and improve daily function. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How are paddle leads implanted during the spinal cord stimulation procedure?
The implantation of paddle leads involves a laminectomy, a surgical procedure where a small portion of bone (the lamina) is removed from the spine to make space for the leads. These leads are then anchored in place to prevent movement, and are connected to a small pulse generator which is implanted under the skin near the lower back or abdomen to deliver electrical pulses to the spinal nerves.
What are alternatives if spinal cord stimulation isn’t suitable for me?
If spinal cord stimulation isn’t the right choice, alternative treatments for chronic pain include pain medications, physical therapy, less invasive procedures like injections or a pain pump. These alternatives can be discussed with healthcare providers to tailor the best pain management plan for individual needs.
What are the potential risks associated with spinal cord stimulation paddle leads?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, including infection at the surgical site, movement of the leads, nerve damage, spinal cord injury, and in rare cases, paralysis. Other risks include epidural bleeding which may cause spinal cord compression. Patients should monitor for severe back pain, leg weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, and coordination difficulties as these symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
What is spinal cord stimulation with paddle leads?
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) with paddle leads is a procedure used to manage chronic pain by delivering mild electrical signals from a pulse generator to the spinal cord. The paddle leads are surgically placed near the spinal cord to block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief for conditions like chronic back or leg pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and persistent pain following back surgery.
What should I expect during recovery from a spinal cord stimulation procedure?
Recovery includes adhering to activity restrictions such as avoiding bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects for a few weeks to allow for proper healing of the surgical site and optimal device function. The full recovery period is approximately six weeks, although light activities may gradually resume after two to three weeks. Incision sites should be kept clean, and follow-up appointments are essential to adjust stimulation settings and ensure proper healing.