If you suffer from chronic pain, then you already know how debilitating it can be to your daily life. Fortunately, modern medicine has provided us with many innovative solutions to help manage and alleviate pain.
Two of the most popular options are spinal cord stimulators and peripheral nerve stimulators. But what’s the difference? Read on to learn more about how these two treatments can help you find relief from chronic pain.
Spinal cord stimulators are devices that are implanted under the skin and send electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, effectively reducing the sensation of pain. The device is controlled by a handheld remote, allowing the patient to adjust the strength and frequency of the electrical impulses.
Spinal cord stimulators are best suited for chronic pain that affects large areas of the body, such as the back, the legs, and the arms. They are typically recommended for individuals who have not had success with other pain management treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or surgery.
The major benefits of spinal cord stimulators is that they can be personalized to your individual needs. The strength and frequency of the electrical impulses can be adjusted through the handheld remote, allowing you to control the level of pain relief you receive. Additionally, these devices can be removed or turned off if they're no longer needed or if you experience any discomfort.
Peripheral nerve stimulators are devices that are implanted very close and near to specific nerves in the body. They also send electrical impulses, but they target only the nerves thought to be responsible for the patient's pain. These devices are also controlled by a handheld remote, allowing the patient to adjust the strength and frequency of those electrical impulses.
Peripheral nerve stimulators are ideal for pain that is localized to a specific area identified to one or two peripheral nerves in the arms or legs, and even in the spinal area. They are often recommended for patients who have not had success with other pain management treatments, usually starting with medications and physical therapy and other injections. They are particularly effective for those experiencing chronic pain in specific areas of the body, such as the feet, hands, or other localized regions of the body.
When it comes to managing chronic pain, there are various treatments available, including spinal cord stimulators and peripheral nerve stimulators. While both treatments involve the use of electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals, there are significant differences between the two.
The primary difference between spinal cord stimulators and peripheral nerve stimulators lies in the location where those electrical impulses are sent. Spinal cord stimulators are designed to target the spinal cord, which can provide relief for pain throughout the body below the level of the lead placement. Peripheral nerve stimulators are designed to target specific nerves that are generating pain signals.
Another important difference between these two types of treatments is the type of pain they are most effective for. Spinal cord stimulators are generally recommended for patients who have chronic pain in the back, legs, or arms. Peripheral nerve stimulators, on the other hand, are often recommended for patients who have pain in their feet, hands, or other specific areas of the body.
Ultimately, the choice between spinal cord stimulators and peripheral nerve stimulators will depend on your individual needs and your medical history. Your doctor, who's well-versed in this area, can help you understand the differences between these treatments and develop a personalized treatment plan that will best suit your needs.
At Performance Pain and Sports Medicine, we understand the toll that chronic pain can take on your life, and we're committed to providing our patients with compassionate, personalized care. Our team of experienced medical professionals is dedicated to staying at the forefront of pain management research and technology so we can offer our patients the latest and most effective treatment options available.
Don’t let chronic pain control your life any longer. Contact us today to learn more about spinal cord stimulators, peripheral nerve stimulators, and other innovative pain management solutions. Together, we can help you find relief from chronic pain and get back to living life on your terms.
Dr. Suzanne Manzi and Dr. Matt Wiederholz are available for in-person consultations at our Houston and League City locations in Texas, as well as Lawrenceville in New Jersey.
With the flexibility of in-person and virtual consultations, we aim to make it as easy as possible for our patients to receive the care they need to achieve their pain relief goals.
Contact Performance Pain and Sports Medicine today to learn more about how spinal cord stimulators and peripheral nerve stimulators can help you find relief from chronic pain and improve your quality of life.
