Sciatica is a symptom, not a condition itself. It occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or tight piriformis muscles in the buttocks.
This pressure causes pain, numbness, or tingling along the nerve, which causes discomfort in your lower back, hips, and legs.
For many, traditional treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections provide relief, but if you haven’t found a solution in these therapies, you may need a more advanced solution.
That’s where spinal cord stimulation comes in.
At Expert Pain in Houston, Texas, Ioannis Skaribas, MD, DABA, FASA, and our team specialize in innovative treatments for chronic pain, including spinal cord stimulation. Here’s how this device can offer lasting relief from sciatica.
Spinal cord stimulation involves the implantation of a small device to deliver low-level electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, effectively reducing or masking the pain sensation.
The device consists of electrodes placed near the spinal cord during a minimally invasive procedure. The electrodes attach to a small battery-powered device implanted under the skin. A remote control allows you to adjust the intensity of the stimulation based on your needs.
Sciatica pain occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often due to herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other spinal conditions. Spinal cord stimulation can help by blocking pain signals and targeting nerve-related pain.
Spinal cord stimulation provides customizable pain relief; you can adjust the settings to meet your needs. Many patients can decrease their use of painkillers after getting a spinal cord stimulation device.
If you have sciatica, spinal cord stimulation can help you experience less pain, better mobility, and enhanced daily functioning.
Before committing to a permanent implant, you’ll undergo a trial period to see if spinal cord stimulation effectively relieves your pain. Our team places temporary electrodes during this time, and you’ll wear an external generator.
If the trial is successful, Dr. Skaribas implants the stimulator just under the skin, typically near your lower back or abdomen. The procedure is minimally invasive; it involves small incisions and a short recovery time. You go home the same day.
Dr. Skaribas programs the device and teaches you how to adjust the settings with the remote control.
During follow-up visits, we ensure the device works optimally and address any questions or concerns. The device can be removed if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
If sciatica pain continues despite trying other treatments, spinal cord stimulation could be an effective option. You may consider it if you have chronic, severe sciatica pain and want to avoid or delay more invasive procedures, like surgery.
Contact Expert Pain today to learn more about this life-changing technology and whether it’s right for you.
