Spinal Cord Stimulation: Integrating Pain Management into Your Neurosurgical Practice-Indications for Spinal Cord Stimulation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video transcript, Jennifer Sweet from Case Western University discusses the use of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain management. She begins by addressing the increasing need to reduce reliance on opioid medications for pain control. Low back pain is a common cause of disability, often accompanied by neuropathic pain in the back and lower extremities. Spinal cord stimulation is recommended as a treatment for failed back surgery syndrome, a condition where patients continue to experience chronic pain following a successful spine surgery. Studies have shown that spinal cord stimulation provides greater pain relief compared to conservative medical management or revision spine surgery. The timing of implantation is also crucial, with earlier intervention resulting in better outcomes. Newer forms of stimulation, such as high-frequency or burst stimulation, have demonstrated superiority in relieving leg and back pain. Spinal cord stimulation is also effective in treating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The Budapest criteria are used to diagnose CRPS, with spinal cord stimulation showing positive effects in improving pain and quality of life. Multidisciplinary treatments and physical therapy are recommended alongside stimulation therapy.

Asset Subtitle

Jennifer A. Sweet, MD, FAANS

Keywords

spinal cord stimulation

chronic pain management

failed back surgery syndrome

high-frequency stimulation

complex regional pain syndrome