A new surgical option is showing promising results for chronic pain sufferers. The new treatment uses spinal chord stimulation to jam the pain signal.
“The spinal chord is actually a processor, and so it decreases the amount of pain transmission that gets through to the brain”, said Dr Jerry Lewis of Los Angeles.
A tiny wire is inserted in the epidural space in the patient’s spinal column. The patient is then able to deliver electrical pulses to their spine via remote control. Patients report that it transforms the pain into a less intense, almost tingly sensation.
Each patient goes through a trial period prior to permanent implantation, and according to Dr Lewis, 85% of patients in his clinical trial choose to move forward and have the implant.