Understanding Chronic Pain and When to Consider Spinal Cord Stimulation

Chronic pain can significantly affect every part of life. One of the most promising treatments for people who have not found lasting relief from traditional therapies is spinal cord stimulation. As a highly skilled spine specialist in Scottsdale, Dr. Jacob Rohrs offers this advanced solution to help patients reduce pain, restore function, and reclaim control over their lives.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is pain that lasts more than 3-6 months, often continuing after the original injury or condition has healed. It may develop from:

•           Failed back or neck surgery syndrome

•           Nerve damage (neuropathy)

•           Spinal stenosis

•           Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

•           Degenerative disc disease

•           Trauma or repetitive strain injuries

This type of pain can be unpredictable - sometimes sharp and burning, other times dull or throbbing. Over time, chronic pain can take a toll physically and mentally, leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased mobility, and anxiety or depression.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive therapy that works by interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. A small device, similar to a pacemaker, delivers gentle electrical pulses to nerves along the spinal cord. These pulses modify the way the brain interprets pain - reducing the intensity while improving function and overall quality of life.

Benefits of spinal cord stimulation include:

•           Significant reduction in chronic pain

•           Lower reliance on pain medication

•           Improved ability to participate in daily activities

•           Adjustable and reversible treatment

•           Customized programming for each patient’s needs

Who Is a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is typically recommended when conservative treatments no longer provide enough relief.

You may be a candidate if you:

•           Have chronic pain in the back, legs, neck, or arms

•           Continue to experience pain after spine surgery

•           Have nerve-related pain that limits your ability to function

•           Want to reduce dependency on medication

One major advantage of spinal cord stimulation is the trial period. Before committing to a permanent implant, patients use a temporary device for several days to determine if the therapy reduces pain effectively.

Find Out If Spinal Cord Stimulation Is Right for You

You don’t have to live with long-term pain that limits the activities you love. Spinal cord stimulation offers a proven and personalized way to restore comfort and mobility - especially when other treatments have failed.

Contact Jacob T. Rohrs, M.D. to schedule a consultation and learn whether spinal cord stimulation may be right for you. Visit our office in Scottsdale, Arizona, or call (808) 645-4080 to book an appointment today.