Cancer pain can feel overwhelming and unmanageable, often disrupting your quality of life. The Jersey City pain management physicians at Jersey Premier Pain understand this struggle, so we offer cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment options to help alleviate your pain. One of the most promising therapies for cancer pain management is spinal cord stimulation (SCS). This advanced technology can help you regain control over your pain and improve your daily life.
If you are currently experiencing pain from cancer or its treatments, contact our offices to learn more about spinal cord stimulation. Our team of qualified medical professionals will help you determine whether SCS is the right treatment option. Call us today at 201-386-8800 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with a Jersey City cancer pain treatment specialist from our team.
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a minimally invasive treatment option using electrical impulses to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This method involves implanting a small device called a spinal cord stimulator, which delivers these electrical impulses directly to the central nervous system. SCS has shown great promise in treating various types of chronic pain, including pain resulting from cancer and its treatments.
Spinal cord stimulation has its roots in the 1960s. The first use of SCS occurred in 1967 when Dr. Norm Shealy, a neurosurgeon, introduced the concept of electrical stimulation of the spinal cord for pain relief. He performed the first implantation of a spinal cord stimulator, which marked the beginning of the development and refinement of this technology. Over the years, SCS has evolved. Subsequent scientists and physicians have contributed to advancements in both the devices and techniques, resulting in improved effectiveness and safety for patients experiencing chronic pain.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
The spinal cord stimulator consists of a small, battery-powered generator and thin, flexible leads that transmit electrical impulses. During implantation, your pain management specialist will place the leads in the epidural space along your spinal cord. The generator, usually implanted in the buttock or abdomen, sends electrical impulses through the leads to the targeted nerves.
SCS works by disrupting the pain signals traveling from the painful area to the brain. The device’s electrical impulses interfere with these signals, effectively blocking them. The result is that your brain perceives little to no pain from the affected area. Instead of pain, you may feel a mild tingling sensation called paresthesia. This feeling is harmless and is typically more comfortable than the original pain.
What Are the Advantages of SCS?
SCS offers several benefits for cancer pain management:
- Significant pain relief – Many patients report a 50% or greater reduction in pain after undergoing SCS treatment. This relief can improve your overall quality of life, making daily activities more manageable and enjoyable.
- Minimally invasive – Unlike traditional surgery, SCS involves minimal damage to surrounding tissue, reducing the risk of complications and resulting in a faster recovery.
- Adjustable therapy – Your pain management specialist can easily adjust the SCS settings for optimal pain relief. As your pain changes, our team can adapt your treatment accordingly.
- Reversible – If, for any reason, you decide that SCS isn’t right for you, we can reverse the procedure by removing the device.
- Reduced reliance on medications – SCS can help reduce your dependence on pain medications, which often carry harmful side effects and long-term health risks.
Whether on its own or combined with other pain management modalities, spinal cord stimulation can offer the relief you need to be better able to enjoy your daily life.
Is SCS Safe?
Spinal cord stimulation is FDA-approved and has undergone rigorous clinical trials, proving its safety and efficacy for managing chronic pain. It is a safe and effective treatment option for many patients.
However, as with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks. Some potential complications include infection, lead migration, and device malfunction. Your pain management specialist will discuss these risks with you and take all necessary precautions to minimize them. The experienced physicians at Jersey Premier Pain are well-equipped to guide you through the process and ensure your safety and comfort.
Will SCS Work for Me?
Determining whether SCS is the right treatment option for your cancer pain depends on several factors. Your pain management specialist will consider the cause and severity of your pain, your overall health, and your response to other pain management treatments.
Before implanting a permanent device, you will undergo a trial period with a temporary SCS system. This trial will allow you and your pain management specialist to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment for your specific type and level of pain. If the trial is successful and you experience significant relief, your specialist may recommend permanent implantation.
Some factors that may make you a good candidate for SCS include the following:
- /alternative-treatment-for-chronic-pain/Chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments, such as medications or physical therapy
- Pain that interferes with your daily life and affects your overall well-being
- No medical contraindications, such as untreated infections or bleeding disorders
Your pain management specialist will thoroughly evaluate whether SCS is appropriate for your specific needs. It is vital to have open and honest conversations with your specialist about your pain, expectations, and concerns.
Let Jersey Premier Pain Help Relieve Your Cancer Pain
The Jersey City pain management physicians at Jersey Premier Pain understand the challenges of living with cancer pain and its impact on your life. Our compassionate team of medical professionals dedicates themselves to helping our clients find relief through advanced, personalized treatment options like spinal cord stimulation.
If you are struggling with cancer pain and want to explore SCS as a potential solution, contact us today. We will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide the support you need to improve your quality of life. With our expertise and state-of-the-art technology, we can help you regain control over your pain and live a more fulfilling, pain-free life.
Call us now at 201-386-8800 or contact us online to learn how we can help you.
Call Us: 201-386-8800 
