Cancer and its treatments can lead to complex and persistent pain, which may affect a person’s quality of life. When standard treatments do not provide sufficient relief, healthcare providers may explore other options as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy. One such modality is spinal cord stimulation, a therapy that has been used for various chronic pain conditions.
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a therapy that uses mild electrical pulses to alter pain signals before they reach the brain. It does not cure the underlying cause of pain but aims to modify the perception of it. An SCS system is an implanted medical device, and its components work together to deliver this therapeutic effect.
The system typically consists of three main parts. First are the insulated wires, which are placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord. Second is an implantable pulse generator (IPG), similar to a pacemaker, which creates the electrical pulses. This generator is usually implanted under the skin. The third component is a remote controller that allows the patient or clinician to adjust the stimulation settings.
How Does It Work?
The fundamental principle behind spinal cord stimulation is its ability to modulate pain signals. Leads deliver gentle electrical currents to specific nerves along the spinal cord. This stimulation can interfere with the pain signals traveling from the nerves to the brain, effectively masking the sensation of pain.
The process of receiving an SCS system involves a two-step approach. The first step is an evaluation by a pain management specialist to determine if SCS is a suitable option. If a person is a candidate, a temporary trial period follows. The physician places the leads in the epidural space during the trial, but the pulse generator remains outside the body. For approximately one week, the individual can experience how SCS affects their pain during normal daily activities. This trial phase allows both the patient and the medical team to assess the therapy’s effectiveness.
If the trial successfully reduces pain and improves function, the person may proceed with the full implantation. This is a surgical procedure where the physician implants the permanent pulse generator beneath the skin. The leads are then connected to this internal generator. After implantation, the device is programmed to provide optimal pain relief based on the individual’s specific needs.
What Role Does It Play?
Spinal cord stimulation may be explored for specific types of chronic pain that are difficult to manage with other methods. It is most frequently discussed for neuropathic pain conditions, which result from damage to nerves. This can occur from the cancer itself, such as a tumor pressing on a nerve, or as a side effect of treatments.
The goals of using SCS are to reduce the intensity of pain and improve a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. Patient selection is a careful process. Following implantation, ongoing monitoring and management are necessary to adjust stimulation as needed and oversee safety within the patient’s broader care plan.
Seek Professional Pain Management Services
SCS is one of many potential tools available for managing complex cancer-related pain. It is not a cure but a therapeutic option that may be included in a comprehensive, multidisciplinary pain management plan. The suitability of SCS depends on the individual, the type of pain, and the overall medical situation. A pain management specialist can conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition and discuss all available treatment options.
