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Spinal Cord Stimulator in Bakersfield & Newport Beach

Chronic pain caused by the spine can be a major factor in how a patient feels about their quality of life. In many cases, the pain might be to the point that it interferes with even routine activities and being able to sleep. One option for patients suffering from chronic pain is to have a procedure for a spinal cord stimulator in Newport Beach or Bakersfield through Paragon Health Group.

What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a device that transmits electrical signals directly to the spinal cord to help relieve chronic pain. In most cases, it is the next step in treating chronic pain after other non-surgical options have not provided the patient with the needed relief. The device is typically implanted under the skin of the lower back and delivers pulses of low-voltage electricity directly to the area where nerve roots meet the vertebrae. By stimulating these nerves, it helps reduce pain without side effects.

SCSs can be used to treat many types of pain, including those caused by:

Arthritis
Nerve damage due to injury, surgery, or a medical condition
Fibromyalgia
Complex regional pain syndrome
Spinal stenosis
Pain from a range of causes (post-surgical, heart, etc.)
Peripheral vascular disease

Benefits of a Spinal Cord Stimulator

While each patient’s experience with the benefits of a spinal cord stimulator can vary, most patients can expect to see some or all of the following after their procedure:

Relief from chronic pain
Reduced need for medication
Fewer side effects than with traditional treatments
Improved quality of life
Increased mobility and flexibility

Signs You Are a Candidate for a Spinal Cord Stimulator

In general, if you have chronic pain that is not responding to traditional treatment such as medication or physical therapy, you may be a candidate for an SCS. Signs of potential candidacy include:

Pain relief lasting only a few hours after taking medications
A history of failed back surgery
Persistent numbness in the legs or feet
Pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
Intractable pain that has not responded to other treatments

To learn if you are a candidate, the first step is to set up your consultation with a specialist at Paragon Health Group at either of our Southern California locations. After a full consultation process, including a medical history and examination, we can work with you to find what the best next step is in managing your chronic pain.

What Is the Procedure Like?

We provide the procedure for an SCS at both our Bakersfield & Newport Beach locations. Our skilled surgeon has performed the procedure successfully many times in the past, helping numerous patients overcome their chronic pain. If you meet the criteria of a candidate, we will create a personalized plan and perform imaging tests to locate optimal placement sites for the electrodes.

The procedure itself is straightforward and usually takes only between 1 and 2 hours in total. Your surgeon will implant the SCS using a small incision and insert the electrodes, which are connected to a programming device. The programming device will be used to adjust the intensity of stimulation as needed to provide relief from pain according to your needs.
Once the device has been implanted, our team will provide you with detailed instructions for caring for your SCS and seeing the greatest benefit from it. We also offer follow-up visits to ensure that the device is working correctly and you are getting relief from your chronic pain.

How Long Is the Recovery?

The recovery process can vary from person to person, depending on the individual’s medical history and the type of device. Generally, it takes 1-2 weeks for the incision site to heal and 4-6 weeks for the SCS to begin showing its fullest positive effects. During this time you may experience some pain or discomfort, but it should improve as your body adjusts to the SCS, allowing you to start enjoying the benefits.

What Results Can I Expect?

Patients typically experience some pain relief within a few days of the initial procedure, and this usually continues to improve over time. The level of relief can vary from person to person, but most patients report a significant decrease in their chronic pain after receiving an SCS. Additionally, many patients also report improved mobility and quality of life as they can do more activities without being held back by pain.

Schedule Your Visit Today

If you are suffering from chronic pain and other treatments have failed, a spinal cord stimulator may provide a path forward to significant relief. At Paragon Health Group in Bakersfield & Newport Beach, our team is here to help. We offer comprehensive consultations to determine if you are a good candidate for a spinal cord stimulator in Newport Beach or Bakersfield, as well as personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. Contact us today to book your initial consultation and get started.