what to expect
SCS Treatment Plans
At the SCS institute of Altoona Pennsylvania, we offer patient-centered therapy for chronic pain management with personalized treatment plans for each patient's needs. On this page we will walk you through the treatment process from the initial consultation, the SCS trial, permanent implant, and follow up care.
What Is SCS?
Spinal cord stimulation SCS is an advanced form of stim treatment designed to help manage chronic pain by targeting the nerves that transmit pain signals. This therapy is used to manage a variety of chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and sciatica. Its versatility makes it an effective option for addressing different kinds of pain that persist despite other treatments.
SCS pain treatment works by delivering gentle electrical pulses to the spinal cord through a small pain management implant device implanted under the skin. These pulses modify the way pain signals are perceived by the brain, effectively reducing or even blocking the sensation of pain. Instead of feeling discomfort, patients often report a mild tingling sensation in the areas where they previously experienced pain.
Table of Contents
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SCS Digital Guide
A comprehensive guide to the TMS treatment and what you can expect before, during and after treatment.
Treatment Resources
Learn more about SCS treatment plans, studies, and more!
How Treatment Works
The SCS Trial
The Implant Procedure
Candidate for Treatment
The Science for SCS
Get to Know us
A comprehensive guide to the TMS treatment and what you can expect before, during and after treat.
Contact Us
Everyone has different healthcare needs and we strive to listen and inform so that are patients are empowered to make the best decision for their health.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulators
This therapy is particularly beneficial for those whose chronic pain has not responded to other treatments. Spinal cord stimulation allows patients to gain better control over their symptoms, helping them reclaim their ability to do daily activities with less discomfort.
By addressing pain at its source, SCS pain management provides more than just relief. This cutting-edge treatment option can improve the range of motion and reduce reliance on medications for long-term pain management.
Other benefits of SCS for pain include:
- Enhanced Mobility and Daily Function
- Long-Term Pain Relief
- Minimal Side Effects
- Tailored to Address Individual Needs
- Trial Phase to Ensure Effectiveness
All of these advantages make SCS therapy a safe, effective, and patient-centered therapy for chronic pain management with a personalized treatment plan for each patient's needs. But, how is a SCS treatment plan created and what is the SCS spinal cord stimulation process like?
17x
more likely to experience pain relief
86%
treatment success after SCS therapy
5yrs
of meaningful pain relief
The SCS Procedure: Creating a Treatment Plan
The initial consultation for spinal cord stimulation is a critical first step toward finding effective relief from chronic pain. During this visit to The SCS Institute, our healthcare providers conduct a comprehensive evaluation to understand the patient’s medical history, pain patterns, and overall health. This in-depth approach helps uncover the root causes of pain and guides the creation of a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual’s unique needs.
The consultation often includes a series of diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies and nerve function assessments, to determine whether SCS is a suitable option. These assessments ensure that the patient’s condition aligns with the therapy’s capabilities, setting the foundation for successful treatment.
By focusing on detailed evaluation and personalized care, developing a spinal cord stimulation therapy treatment plan helps pave the way for improved health and well-being, ensuring that every aspect of the patient’s condition is carefully considered.
The SCS Procedure: The Trial Phase
The trial phase of spinal cord stimulation is a vital step in determining whether this therapy is an effective solution for managing chronic pain. This temporary phase allows patients and their healthcare providers to evaluate how well the back pain treatment electrical stimulation alleviates pain before committing to a permanent implant.
The SCS stimulation trial process includes:
- Temporary Electrode Placement: During the trial phase, small electrodes are placed near the spinal cord using a minimally invasive procedure. These electrodes are connected to an external stimulator, which delivers low electrical pulses to calm pain signals.
- Programming Session: After placement, patients work with a specialist to customize the settings of the pain management spinal cord stimulator. This session ensures that the therapy targets specific pain areas and provides optimal relief with tailored adjustments.
- Testing Period: Over the next several days, SCS stimulator patients go about their daily routines while the device is active. This period helps gauge the therapy’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios, providing a clearer picture of its impact on pain levels.
- Patient Feedback and Monitoring: Throughout the trial, patients provide detailed feedback about their experience, including changes in pain intensity and quality of life. Healthcare providers closely monitor the results to assess the therapy's performance.
Success during the trial phase is measured by the degree of pain reduction, improved functionality, and overall satisfaction with the therapy. If the trial is successful, the next step involves planning for the permanent implantation of the device at The SCS Institute.
The SCS Procedure: Permanent Implantation
Once the spinal cord stimulation trial phase proves successful, patients at The SCS Institute can move forward with the permanent implantation of the device. This process begins with a carefully planned approach. Our medical professionals work closely with the patient to schedule the implantation procedure, selecting a date that accommodates their medical and personal needs. Before the surgery, detailed instructions are shared to help the patient prepare, ensuring the process is as seamless as possible.
The permanent implantation is performed under sterile conditions in a surgical setting, often under anesthesia to maximize comfort. During the procedure, small electrodes are placed near the spinal cord, and a compact generator is positioned under the skin, usually in the abdomen or buttocks.
These components work in tandem to deliver consistent electrical pulses to target pain signals effectively. The implantation typically lasts a few hours, and patients can expect to go home the same day or after a short hospital stay, depending on individual circumstances.
The SCS Procedure: Recovery and Long-Term Management
Recovery after the permanent implantation of the spinal cord stimulation device is a carefully managed process that ensures both safety and comfort as patients transition back to their daily lives.
It begins with a gradual return to normal activities, guided by the expertise of the medical team. Patients are encouraged to ease into their routines while avoiding strenuous tasks or heavy lifting during the initial healing period. Light activities can often resume within a few days, but full recovery may take a few weeks depending on individual health and lifestyle factors.
Mild soreness or sensitivity at the incision site is common, but this discomfort typically diminishes within weeks. To aid healing and alleviate soreness, the medical team provides clear instructions on wound care, pain management, and activity modifications. Open communication with healthcare providers is encouraged throughout this period to address any concerns and maintain a smooth recovery.
Follow-up visits at The SCS Institute are an essential part of the healing process from SCS treatment for back pain. During these appointments, the medical team monitors progress and fine-tunes the SCS spinal cord stimulator settings to achieve the best results. Adjustments to the spinal stimulator for pain management may include calibrating the device to target specific pain areas more effectively or modifying the intensity of stimulation for greater comfort.
Discover Personalized Treatment Plans for Pain Relief at The SCS Institute
The SCS Institute offers a comprehensive approach to spinal cord stimulation therapy, providing patients with an individualized treatment plan designed to alleviate chronic pain. Our team of experts is dedicated to understanding each patient's unique needs and developing personalized solutions with SCS pain stimulators that deliver long-term relief and improved quality of life.
Find out more about living with a spinal cord stimulator from our expert team at The SCS Institute by calling (814) 414-4434 or scheduling a consultation at our Altoona, PA office today.