Which Conditions Are Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Chronic pain is one of the major health problems that negatively affects the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. Medication treatments, physical therapy applications, nerve blocks, and surgical interventions may not provide the expected results in every patient. Especially in pain that has continued for many years and is resistant to other treatments, advanced neuromodulation methods come to the forefront. One of the leading methods is Spinal Cord Stimulation, also known as Epidural Nerve Stimulation (Spinal Cord Stimulation).

Spinal Cord Stimulation is a modern treatment method that aims to reduce pain signals reaching the brain by sending controlled electrical impulses to the nervous system through electrodes placed in the epidural space of the spinal cord. When appropriate patient selection is made, it can make significant contributions to controlling chronic pain and improving patients' daily quality of life.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, one of the brain and nerve surgery specialists experienced in spinal cord stimulation applications, evaluates patients through detailed examinations and advanced imaging methods and creates personalized treatment plans.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal Cord Stimulation is one of the advanced technology neuromodulation systems used in the treatment of chronic pain. In the system, low-level electrical impulses are generated through thin electrodes placed around the spinal cord. These impulses may help the patient feel less pain by changing the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

The treatment is reversible and programmable. Device settings can be changed when necessary, or the system can be removed in appropriate cases.

Which Conditions Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Used For?

Spinal Cord Stimulation is not applied to every patient with pain complaints. It is particularly preferred in selected patients who have not received sufficient benefit from other treatment methods.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

One of the most common conditions for which Spinal Cord Stimulation is used is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

In some patients, although herniated disc surgery is technically successful, lower back and leg pain may continue. In this case, Spinal Cord Stimulation is one of the effective treatment options that may help reduce pain.

Regarding appropriate patient selection, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı performs a detailed evaluation to determine suitability for Spinal Cord Stimulation.

Chronic Lower Back Pain

Spinal Cord Stimulation may be considered for chronic lower back pain that has continued for a long time and has not improved despite medication, physical therapy, or injection treatments.

Successful results may be achieved particularly in nerve-related pain.

Chronic Leg Pain

Spinal Cord Stimulation may also be applied for chronic leg pain caused by the involvement of nerves originating from the lower back.

Patients' walking distance may increase, and they may be able to perform their daily activities more comfortably.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by severe burning pain, sensitivity, color changes, and limited movement.

Spinal Cord Stimulation may be an important option for patients who have not received sufficient benefit from other treatments.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Nerve damage caused by diabetes may lead to severe foot and leg pain over time.

Spinal Cord Stimulation may be applied to suitable patients with advanced diabetic neuropathy who do not respond to other treatments.

This method particularly aims to support pain control.

Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Spinal Cord Stimulation may also be used for chronic pain caused by nerve injuries that develop after traffic accidents, occupational accidents, or other traumas.

Since it may not be suitable for every patient, a detailed evaluation is required.

Neck-Related Nerve Pain

Spinal Cord Stimulation may be applied in some chronic pain conditions caused by cervical disc herniation or nerve compression.

However, electrode placement may be planned differently in these patients.

Ischemic Pain

Spinal Cord Stimulation may also be considered among supportive treatment options for chronic pain caused by certain circulatory disorders.

Patient selection is of great importance in this group.

Who Is Not Suitable for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Not every chronic pain patient is suitable for Spinal Cord Stimulation.

Different treatment options may be considered in the following situations:

Patients with Active Infection

The procedure may be postponed in the presence of an active infection in the body.

Patients with Blood Clotting Disorders

Special evaluation is required for people who use blood thinners or have serious blood clotting disorders.

Patients Requiring Psychiatric Evaluation

It is important that expectations from the treatment are realistic. Psychological evaluation may be recommended for some patients.

Pain with an Undetermined Cause

First, the source of the pain should be clearly identified.

During this evaluation process, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı examines the patient's entire medical history in detail and creates an appropriate treatment plan.

How Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Applied?

The treatment is planned in two stages.

Trial Stimulation

• In the first stage, temporary electrodes are placed in the epidural space.

• The patient uses the system for several days.

• During this period, the pain level is evaluated.

Permanent Stimulator

• If the trial is successful, the permanent stimulator system is placed under the skin.
• The battery is usually placed in the hip or abdominal area.
• Then, computer-assisted programming is performed to create settings specific to the patient.

Advantages of Spinal Cord Stimulation

This method provides many advantages.

May Help Reduce Pain: The primary aim of the treatment is to reduce the severity of chronic pain.

May Reduce Medication Use: In some patients, it may contribute to reducing the need for painkillers.

May Improve Quality of Life: Improvements may be seen in sleep patterns, mobility, and daily activities.

It Is a Programmable System: The stimulator settings can be changed according to the patient's needs.

It Is Reversible: The system can be removed when deemed necessary.

What Should Be Considered Before Treatment?

• Before deciding on Spinal Cord Stimulation, a detailed neurological examination of the patient should be performed.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), tomography, and other examinations should be reviewed.
• Previously applied treatments should be evaluated.
• Trial stimulation is an important stage in predicting treatment success.

During this process, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı evaluates each patient individually and determines the most appropriate approach.

Spinal Cord Stimulation is one of the effective neuromodulation treatments used particularly in chronic pain patients who have not received sufficient benefit from medication, physical therapy, and other interventional methods. With appropriate patient selection, it may provide significant benefits in conditions such as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, chronic lower back and leg pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), diabetic neuropathy, and certain peripheral nerve injuries.

The success of the treatment depends on the correct indication, detailed evaluation, and application by an experienced team. Therefore, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı comprehensively analyzes the cause of pain in his patients, creates a personalized treatment plan, and performs Spinal Cord Stimulation procedures in suitable cases in accordance with current scientific approaches.