Neuromodulation for Pain Management

Treatment with Neuromodulation for Pain Relief

People experience pain every day, and it is never the same for everyone. For instance, for every one person experiencing sudden and severe pain from a recent injury, illness, or condition, there are more whose situation has lingered for months or years with no relief. These acute, subacute, and chronic symptoms can be complex and debilitating enough to reduce quality of life significantly. Traditional methods for pain management, like medication, physical therapy, or even surgery, may not always provide adequate relief, which is where neuromodulation can help. This cutting-edge treatment offers hope for chronic pain patients whose conditions have resisted previous treatments by altering nerve activity through targeted electrical stimulation.

Here is how neuromodulation works, why it is used, and when our experts at Valor Interventional Pain turn to it for pain management.

What Is Neuromodulation?

Neuromodulation is a medical technique that uses electrical impulses to regulate nervous system activity. By stimulating specific nerves, neuromodulation can change how pain signals are transmitted to the brain, either by inhibiting or modifying them.

There are different forms of neuromodulation, including:

  • Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): This involves placing a small device near the spine to deliver electrical pulses that disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
  • Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS): Electrical impulses are directed at nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, such as those in the arms or legs, to treat localized pain.

How Does Neuromodulation Work in Pain Management?

The pain you’re experiencing results from signals sent from the affected area of the body to the brain. Neuromodulation intercepts these signals using electrical currents to alter or block their pathway.

For example, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) works by implanting electrodes near the spinal cord that send out electrical impulses. These impulses replace the pain sensation with a mild tingling or massage-like feeling, which many patients find more tolerable.

The goal of neuromodulation in pain management is not to cure the underlying condition. Rather, we want to disrupt the pain signal enough to offer you substantial relief. This makes it a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions where pain is the most challenging symptom.

Less Pain.
More Living.

Why Use Neuromodulation for Pain Management?

Our expert pain doctors use neuromodulation for several reasons. Here are the most notable.
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Reduction in Opioid Dependence

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons for opioid prescriptions. However, long-term opioid use comes with significant risks, including addiction and tolerance. Neuromodulation offers a non-pharmacological approach to pain relief, helping you and other patients reduce their reliance on opioids.

Targeted Treatment

Unlike systemic pain medications, which affect the whole body, neuromodulation delivers treatment directly to the nerves causing pain. This reduces side effects and allows for more precise pain management.

Non-Responsiveness to Traditional Treatments

Many patients with chronic pain have already tried medications, physical therapy, or even surgery without finding significant relief. Neuromodulation offers an alternative for those whose pain persists despite these efforts.

Adjustable and Reversible

Many neuromodulation devices are programmable. This means each treatment can be adjusted to your evolving needs. Additionally, most forms of neuromodulation can be discontinued or removed if they are no longer effective or needed.

When Is Neuromodulation Used in Pain Management?

We typically recommend neuromodulation in these situations.
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Chronic Pain Is Resistant To Other Treatments

Neuromodulation is often reserved for patients whose pain has not responded to more conservative treatments. This includes physical therapy, oral medications, or nerve blocks.

pain management cancer neuromodulation

Cancer-Related Pain

Neuromodulation can also be used to treat difficult-to-control pain associated with cancer, providing an alternative to increasing opioid dosages.

pain management sciatica neuromodulation

Neuropathic Pain

Conditions such as sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome, and post-surgical nerve pain are common targets for neuromodulation. These conditions are caused by nerve damage or dysfunction, making them particularly well-suited for electrical stimulation.

pain management circulation peripheral vascular neuromodulation

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral nerve stimulation can treat pain caused by poor blood circulation, such as in patients with peripheral vascular disease or diabetic neuropathy.

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Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)

For patients who have undergone back surgery and still experience significant pain, neuromodulation (particularly spinal cord stimulation) can offer relief.

pain management crps neuromodulation

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Neuromodulation is a treatment option for CRPS by altering nerve activity. Through electrical impulses delivered to the spinal cord, neuromodulation can disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing the sensation of pain and inflammation in affect areas, usually the arm, hand, leg, foot or face.

Benefits of Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation offers several advantages over traditional pain management approaches:

  • Minimally Invasive: Most neuromodulation procedures involve small implants or devices placed through minimally invasive surgery. The result for you is faster recovery times and less discomfort.
  • Reduced Medication Needs: Patients can often reduce their reliance on pain medications, particularly opioids, reducing the risks associated with long-term drug use.
  • Improved Quality of Life: Neuromodulation can provide substantial relief for chronic pain sufferers, allowing them to engage in daily activities with less discomfort.
  • Customizable Therapy: Neuromodulation devices can be adjusted to meet your unique needs, thus fostering personalized care for optimal results.
pain management doctor visit neuromodulation
PERSONALIZED CARE​

Advanced Techniques to Treat Pain

Neuromodulation represents a powerful, non-pharmacological approach to pain management. With its ability to target specific pain pathways, reduce reliance on opioids, and offer adjustable treatment, it is a valuable option for patients like you with pain that has been resistant to other forms of therapy. For individuals who have struggled to find relief, neuromodulation could be the breakthrough they’ve been waiting for. Consult with the experts at Valor Interventional Pain to determine if neuromodulation is the right treatment for your condition.

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