Angina, or pain in the chest due to the heart muscle not getting enough oxygen from blood. Arachnoiditis is a painful inflammation of the arachnoid, a thin membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. It is a result of an unintended surgical injury, or more commonly, scar tissue upon a major peripheral nerve. The pain experienced is different in quality and location from the pain reported that necessitated surgery in the first place. Similar to FBSS, post-surgical pain is chronic pain that occurs after surgery. Other conditions that can benefit from DCS A dorsal column stimulator can provide pain relief for more than one condition.Īpart from FBSS, there are other medical conditions that can benefit from alternative pain management treatments. In cases like this, be assured that they refer to the same treatment. But, we will sometimes interchange the term with the more common term Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS). These are the pathways that carry painful signals to the brain.įor this article, we will be using Dorsal Column Stimulator (DCS) more frequently. The dorsal columns refer to the specific areas of the spinal cord containing ascending sensory pathways. Dorsal Column Stimulator is the same as Spinal Cord Stimulator. Is a Dorsal Column Stimulator the Same as a Spinal Cord Stimulator? A dorsal column stimulator, or spinal cord stimulator, treats pain through electrical impulses supplied through a battery-powered implant. DCS is a popular option for patients that have not responded to more conventional therapies such as surgery or pain medications. The next section will talk specifically about dorsal column stimulators.Ī dorsal column stimulator, also known as a spinal cord stimulator, uses an implantable neuromodulation device that sends electrical signals to targeted areas of the spinal cord (dorsal columns) to treat pain. The procedure is minimally invasive compared to spine surgery and often results in diminishing pain for chronic sufferers. MidSouth Pain Treatment Center suggests considering an interventional procedure such as a spinal cord stimulator. With surgery out of the question, what options do chronic sufferers have to alleviate their pain? Dorsal Column Stimulator (DCS) Above is an image of a dorsal column stimulator in place in a patient. In cases like these, chronic sufferers will need alternative therapy to address their condition. This is a term that describes the “ surgical end-stage after one or several interventions on the lumbar neuroaxis indicated to relieve low back pain, radicular pain or the combination of both, without effect.” In other words, surgery fails to help relieve the pain. Due to the large number of individuals suffering from this, more and more people turn to surgery.Įven under the best conditions, FBSS happens. According to the National Institute of Health, low back pain (LBP) happens to an estimated 60% to 80% of the global population at one point or another, with 10% suffering chronic pain. This leads to a condition called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. Surgery to treat back pain sometimes falls short. Sometimes, Surgery Isn’t Enough Surgeries to treat back pain can result in unintended side effects. If you are considering seeking medical treatment or help with your pain management, let MidSouth Pain Treatment Center’s staff of professional medical staff assist you and suggest the best possible treatment program. As with any other medical/health condition, remember that self-diagnosis is often counterproductive and can only make a diagnosis by qualified medical professionals more difficult. Surgery often allows medical professionals to focus directly on problem areas. Surgery or interventional pain management is also a possible solution. Left unaddressed, these issues often end up as bigger problems than the ones they address. This includes a gradual buildup of tolerance to the drugs, and the possibility of addiction. While these can offer instant pain relief, they can produce unpleasant effects. These simple adjustments to daily living can work o reduce inflammation or to reduce pain.Ĭhronic sufferers can also turn to medication such as painkillers or muscle relaxers. They can be as simple as lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. Dealing with Chronic Pain Chronic back pain often inhibits the sufferer’s ability to perform daily tasks. When surgery fails to treat these conditions and fails to provide relief, an interventional procedure called dorsal column stimulator may be what’s needed. Things that we all take for granted, like walking, sitting straight, and engaging in sports or exercise often become impossible for chronic pain sufferers. Chronic pain always reminds sufferers of its presence. Chronic pain, especially chronic back pain, is something one never gets used to.