Pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet, legs, and hands are all symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, a typical consequence of diabetes that damages the nerves. Unfortunately, medication and physical therapy, the usual therapies for diabetic neuropathy, are not always helpful in alleviating the discomfort associated with this condition. On the other hand, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has recently emerged as a potentially effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy.

In SCS, a tiny device is implanted under the skin, usually in the back, for electrical stimulation. When the device is placed on the back, it sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord, altering how the brain processes pain signals. By creating an artificial stimulus, this interference can help lessen the experience of pain and boost overall well-being.

In the case of diabetic neuropathy, it is not yet clear how exactly SCS helps. Electrical shocks produced by the device are thought to disrupt pain signals as they travel along injured nerves to the brain. The intensity of the electrical stimulation delivered by SCS may be adjusted to meet the patient's demands, making it effective for a wide range of pain intensities. As a result, patients can get the care uniquely suited to them. In this post, we'll review the potential benefits, risks, and limits of SCS for treating diabetic neuropathy pain.

Spinal Cord Stimulation Is A Term For What?

Stimulating the spinal cord with the implantation of a tiny device under the skin, most commonly in the back, is a minimally invasive operation. When the device is placed on the back, it sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord, altering how the brain processes pain signals. Neuropathy, back pain, and complex regional pain syndrome are chronic pain problems that can be helped with SCS.

How Does Diabetic Neuropathy Benefit From Spinal Cord Stimulation?

It is not yet clear how exactly spinal cord stimulation helps diabetic neuropathy. Electrical shocks produced by the device are thought to disrupt pain signals as they travel along injured nerves to the brain. By creating an artificial stimulus, this interference can help lessen the experience of pain and boost overall well-being.

Diabetic Neuropathy Spinal Cord Stimulation Benefits:

• Pain Relief: SCS is effective in alleviating the discomfort of diabetic neuropathy. Certain trials have demonstrated that it is as effective as 70% pain relief. As a result, people may be better able to go about their everyday lives and enjoy a higher quality of life overall.
• Surgery is only one example of an intrusive treatment option for diabetic neuropathy; SCS does not require any incisions. There is no need for major incisions or lengthy recovery because only a little gadget is implanted under the skin.
• The treatment has fewer negative effects, unlike traditional methods of dealing with diabetic neuropathy, which often involves medication. Some pain relievers, for instance, are associated with side effects like drowsiness, diarrhea, and nausea. SCS, on the other hand, is preferred by many since it is associated with fewer negative effects than other treatments.
• Modifiable: SCS can be altered to meet the specific requirements of each user. The gadget can provide varying degrees of electrical stimulation, which can be adjusted based on the patient's needs. As a result, patients can get the care uniquely suited to them.

By alleviating pain, SCS can enhance a patient's quality of life. People who use it often feel less discomfort while walking longer distances, completing domestic chores, and interacting with others.

Limitations And Dangers Of Spinal Cord Stimulation:

• Inappropriate for Some People: SCS is not an appropriate treatment for all people with diabetic neuropathy. Some people, including those with active infections, blood disorders, or mental health issues, may be ineligible for the surgery.
• However, surgery is still necessary for SCS, even though it is a minimally invasive technique. This means that any operation carries the potential for infection, blood loss, and other consequences.
• The expense of SCS means that only some medical insurance policies cover it. Because of this, getting treatment may be challenging for some people.
• Though evidence supports the use of SCS for diabetic neuropathy, more long-term data is needed to evaluate its efficacy fully. The long-term benefits of this medication need more study.

Conclusion

Diabetic neuropathy, a common consequence of diabetes that affects the nerves and causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet, legs, and hands, may be treatable with spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Pain signals flowing from the nerves to the brain can be altered by SCS, resulting in less pain and enhanced quality of life. SCS is a non-invasive therapy with fewer adverse effects than traditional treatments for diabetic neuropathy. Because of its adaptability, each individual can receive care uniquely suited to their condition. However, not everyone can benefit from SCS, and the surgery required to implant the device is costly and carries some risks.