Mercy physicians are using Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) to alleviate certain types of chronic pain, with great success. SCS uses a small implanted device to generate tiny electrical pulses that replace the feeling of pain with a tingling sensation.

 

"It's a very good treatment for anyone with neuropathic pain or pain resulting from injury to the peripheral nervous system," says Lawrence Zeff, MD, interventional pain medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with Mercy Medical Associates - Orthopaedic & Spine Specialists. "It's generally recommended for patients who haven’t had success with more conservative treatments."

 

SCS involves an outpatient procedure in which the stimulator is placed in the body via two small incisions in the back and side. Patients can "test drive" the device for a few days to see if they like it before deciding on permanent implantation. To permanently implant the stimulator, the patient is sedated and a local anesthetic is applied to the implantation site. An orthopaedic surgeon attaches wires from the stimulator into the spinal canal.

 

"These wires deliver electrical pulses that shock and deaden pain-inducing nerves. Placement of the stimulator is determined by the location of the pain," explains John Jacquemin, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with Mercy Medical Associates - Orthopaedic & Spine Specialists.

 

The stimulator's battery lasts 15 to 20 years and can be replaced during a 15-minute outpatient procedure. The battery charges via a home outlet. A portable unit allows the battery to charge directly through the skin. For more information about SCS, please call Drs. Zeff or Jacquemin at 513-981-ORTHO. For more information on Mercy Medical Associates primary care physicians and specialists visit www.e-mercy.com/mmadocs.