Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome / Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain - Dr. David Maine - Mercy

Mercy pain management specialist Dr. David Maine discusses the use of an implantable spinal cord stimulator for chronic pain management. Learn more at mdmercy.com.

Treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - Dr. William Raoofi - Mercy

Dr. Raoofi discusses the options for treating complex regional pain syndrome. Learn more at mdmercy.com.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Diabetic Neuropathy - Dr. William Raoofi - Mercy

Pain management specialist Dr. William Raoofi discusses a new treatment for relieving diabetic neuropathy pain. Learn more at mdmercy.com

Spinal Cord Stimulation Offered by Pain Medicine Doctors for Back Pain Relief

The doctors of The Center for Interventional Pain Medicine at Mercy offer spinal cord stimulation for patients with low back pain due to sciatica, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and post-herpetic neuralgia.

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation delivers low voltage electrical stimulation to the spinal cord to block the sensation of pain. This is an advanced therapy that can be used for many conditions including radicular pain (sciatica), low back pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), post-herpetic neuralgia.

How is Spinal Cord Stimulation performed?

A trial is usually conducted prior to permanent implantation to determine if spinal cord stimulation is an effective treatment for the patient's painful condition. A small wire (called a lead) connected to a power source is inserted under the skin into the epidural space using fluoroscopic guidance. Low-level electrical signals are then transmitted through the lead to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain.

Using a magnetic remote control, patients can turn the current on and off, or adjust the intensity. The sensations derived from the stimulator are different for everyone; however, most patients describe it as a pleasant tingling feeling.

The Center for Interventional Pain Medicine at Mercy provides leading edge interventional pain treatment options to reduce the need for pain medications and alleviate chronic pain.