Neurostimulation therapy is a new, non-invasive treatment for chronic pain. It’s a treatment that uses electrical pulses to block pain signals from reaching the brain. It’s an alternative to medications or surgery and can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies. Neurostimulation therapy in TENS technology is a natural way to help treat chronic pain.
What Is Neurostimulation Therapy?
Neurostimulation therapy is a treatment that uses electrical pulses to activate nerves in the body. The idea behind this type of therapy is that it can help control chronic pain without needing to take pain medication, which can be addicting. This therapy can be used for back or neck relief.
How Does Neurostimulation Therapy Work?
The device that delivers neurostimulation therapy is called a spinal cord stimulator or SCS. It’s implanted under your skin and connected to wires that go into your spinal column. When activated, it sends electrical impulses to specific nerves in your spine, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
The impulses from the machine itself can be set at different levels depending on how much stimulation you need. You may also have multiple settings so you can adjust them as needed during different activities or times of the day.
Which Types of Neurostimulation Therapy Are Available?
Neurostimulation therapy is FDA-approved for people with spinal cord injuries or those who have suffered from severe back injuries and who are still experiencing chronic pain following their accident or injury. There are, however, different types of Neurostimulation Therapy available to people. One is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS and Spinal Cord Stimulation or SCS.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS, involves applying electrical currents to the skin of the body near where the nerves are located. The current blocks signals coming from those nerves. TENS devices are commonly used by physical therapists to treat low back pain, neck pain, and sciatica.
Spinal cord stimulation, SCS, involves surgically implanting a device under your skin that sends electrical impulses through electrodes placed around your spinal cord or around a nerve root in your lower back. Spinal Cord Stimulation devices are commonly used by doctors who specialize in treating chronic pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome, CRPS and failed back surgery syndrome, FBSS.
Why Do I Need Neurostimulation Therapy?
Neurostimulation therapy for chronic pain may help relieve your pain symptoms when other treatments haven’t worked or when you want something permanent that doesn’t involve taking medications. Taking the least amount of medication is always in the best interest of any patient. The less medication, the least likely reactions or not being able to get off of medication.
What Type of Doctor Performs Neurostimulation Therapy?
Neurostimulation procedures are performed by you. However, it is very beneficial to everyone who uses a TENS machine to consult a doctor to know exactly how to use it and what the best way to use the TENS machine is. If you are considering a TENS Unit, you’ll need to make certain you choose the right one for you.
Neurostimulation Therapy Can Help When All Else Fails
The majority of people with chronic neck or back pain will, at some point in their life, take medication to help the pain. Some people who take these medications will have reactions to them, or the medication just won’t work for their bodies. For anyone who can’t take medication for chronic pain due to whatever the reason may be. Neurostimulation Therapy may be just what you need to get some pain relief.
Related Stories
TENS Unit For Neck Pain – Best Methods
Neck pain can be a real headache – quite literally. From staring at screens all
Apr
5K to Marathon: A Universal Guide to Finding Your Running Groove
Let’s face it, running isn’t always smooth sailing. We’ve all seen those memes about the
Apr
How To Use A TENS Unit For Bursitis
Bursitis, a common condition causing inflammation of the bursae sacs in joints, can be a
Apr
Masters Week: Mythbusters—Can Tech Really Help Your Game?
Masters Week is here, and with it comes a lot of excitement, anticipation, and unfortunately,
Apr
Using A TENS Unit For Shoulder Pain
Do you find yourself constantly battling the discomfort of shoulder pain, unable to fully enjoy
Apr
National Garden Month: It’s Time for You to Bloom Too
National Garden Month is here! Time to ditch the winter blues and reconnect with the
Apr