Spinal Cord Stimulation

When medication, physical therapy, and chiropractic treatment aren’t enough to relieve chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation may be the answer to lasting relief. Sathya Bhandari, MD, is a pain management specialist who practices all forms of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) at Liberty Pain Associates in Flower Mound and Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Bhandari performs the entire procedure from start to finish, including the trial and permanent placement. Call the nearest office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive pain management treatment that delivers short electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses disrupt the pain signals that damaged nerves send to the brain to alleviate discomfort. Spinal cord stimulation can effectively relieve chronic pain without invasive surgery, medication, or repeated injections.

As a pain management specialist, Dr. Bhandari also provides lifelong management of painful joints through peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS).

What types of pain can spinal cord stimulation treat?

Spinal cord stimulation addresses many types of chronic pain, such as:

• Chronic back pain
• Chronic neck pain
• Post-surgical pain
• Knee pain
• Neuropathic pain
• Pelvic pain
• Shoulder pain
• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Dr. Bhandari performs a full physical evaluation to determine whether spinal cord stimulation is the appropriate treatment for your pain.

What happens before spinal cord stimulation?

A trial period is essential before placing your permanent device. Dr. Bhandari makes a small incision near your spine and inserts the spinal cord stimulator’s wires through a hollow needle. The wires attach to an external generator that you wear on a belt. 

Dr. Bhandari provides detailed instructions on using your stimulator. She gives you a remote control that allows you to control the electrical impulses in your spine. Make sure to keep track of your pain levels during the trial. If your pain feels at least 50% better with the stimulator, Dr. Bhandari can place a permanent device.

What can I expect during spinal cord stimulation?

If the trial proves successful, you can return to Dr. Bhandari’s office in one week to discuss placing your permanent device. 

You must avoid taking blood thinners, drinking alcohol, and using tobacco for at least one week before the procedure. Dr. Bhandari may also provide additional instructions to prepare you for spinal cord stimulation surgery.

Prior to surgery, Dr. Bhandari administers an anesthetic. She uses fluoroscopy — a real-time X-ray — to strategically place the stimulator’s wires. The stimulator sits beneath the skin above your buttocks. Finally, Dr. Bhandari closes the incisions.

Call Liberty Pain Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about spinal cord stimulation.