"I can play with my kids again!" "I can go shopping without pain!" These are the kinds of victories Dr. Asim Aijaz, a pain management specialist at Pain Specialist of America in Bastrop, hears from his patients who have found relief using a spinal cord pe for diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, can cause debilitating nerve pain, often starting in the feet and legs. As Dr. Aijaz explains, "It's a pretty brutal pain. It's described as pins and needles, burning sensations, numb but hurting at the same time, just not feeling quite right." This pain can make everyday activities like walking, playing with children, or even sleeping a constant struggle.”
While medications are often the first line of treatment, they don't always provide sufficient relief and can come with unwanted side effects. "A lot of patients might get on medication," says Dr. Aijaz, "it might help a little bit, but the side effects outweigh the benefits."
That's where spinal cord stimulation comes in.
Diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, causes nerve damage, often leading to chronic pain in the feet and legs. This pain can be burning, tingling, or numb, and it can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While medications and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms, they don't always provide sufficient relief.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is emerging as a promising treatment option for diabetic neuropathy. It involves implanting a small device that sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord, effectively disrupting pain signals and providing relief.
"The spinal cord stimulator is a home run," says Dr. Aijaz, "mostly because we're able to treat it mechanically without necessarily needing medication." This means fewer side effects and a greater chance of long-term relief.
"We don't have to worry about continuing to repeat procedures," Dr. Aijaz explains. "Usually the patients are happy long term." Studies have shown that a spinal cord stimulator can significantly reduce pain, improve sensation, and enhance the quality of life for people with diabetic neuropathy.
Spinal cord stimulators offers a range of benefits for those with diabetic neuropathy:
Better Quality of Life: SCS can significantly enhance your quality of life. Patients often report being able to participate in activities they previously enjoyed, spend more time with loved ones, and experience a greater sense of freedom from pain.
Dr. Aijaz typically recommends spinal cord stimulators to patients who have tried medications without success or who are experiencing intolerable side effects.
While certain factors, such as poorly controlled diabetes, may require addressing before considering the procedure, the majority of patients with diabetic neuropathy are good candidates for SCS.
"If somebody's A1C is too elevated, that's a patient I probably wouldn't want to do surgery on," he explains. However, he notes that many patients are motivated to improve their health and gain better control of their diabetes when they see the potential benefits of a spinal cord stimulator for neuropathy..
The good news is that SCS technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making it even more effective and accessible. "These things are much more beneficial than they used to be," says Dr. Aijaz. "The batteries are smaller, they work better, they last longer. The way that they stimulate is different than it used to be."
One of the biggest improvements is the ability to provide pain relief without the tingling sensation that was common with older systems. "Today, we're able to just not have the pain and not have an alternative sensation there," Dr. Aijaz explains. Furthermore, with modern spinal cord stimulator systems, there are essentially no permanent restrictions on your activities, allowing you to live your life to the fullest.
It's important to note that insurance coverage for spinal cord stimulation for diabetic neuropathy has evolved significantly. In the past, it was often difficult to obtain coverage for this treatment. However, as Dr. Aijaz points out, 'Insurance is actually coming on board now.' This means that spinal cord stimulation is becoming more accessible to patients who may have been unable to afford it in the past."
If you're struggling with diabetic neuropathy, don't lose hope. Spinal cord stimulation may be the solution you've been searching for. Contact PSA today to schedule a consultation and learn more about life-changing treatment for diabetic neuropathy.
As Dr. Aijaz reminds us, "There is a treatment option there that might work really well for you... Just letting them know that there's something out here for you if you're willing to try it."
A creeping pain beginning in your lumbar or buttock area and running down the backs of your legs could mean problems with your sciatic nerve
With an estimated 40 percent of individuals experiencing lumbar radiculopathy at some point in their lives, it’s likely that you or someone you know has experienced or is experiencing this debilitating issue. Although familiar, many people still don’t fully understand what causes lumbar radiculopathy, how to identify it and the best ways to reduce its impact on our daily lives.
What is lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica and how do I know if I have it?
Lumbar radiculopathy, sometimes referred to as sciatica, is the irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which originates from the lower lumbar areas of our backs and branch out to the buttocks and backs of our legs. The sciatic nerve plays a vital role in controlling muscles and sensations in the lower body and is the longest and widest nerve in the human body.
Lumbar radiculopathy commonly occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It is most often associated with a shooting or radiating sensation of pain beginning in the lower back and traveling down one leg or both. This is a crucial differentiator between sciatica and other kinds of pack pain, which often do not affect the legs. Often, patients with sciatica will describe the pain as dull, aching or even burning, with some also experiencing tingling and weakness.
Even if you are experiencing these symptoms, a doctor’s assessment is needed to diagnose the condition properly. Your doctor will typically evaluate your medical history and conduct a physical exam and may even request additional tests like x-rays, an MRI or a nerve conduction study to diagnose lumbar radiculopathy effectively.
What treatments are available?
Given proper rest, lumbar radiculopathy symptoms typically dissipate in a few days or weeks without the need for medical intervention. For those with persistent pain, there are several ways to relieve this and promote the healing process. They include:
What are the causes?
In most cases, lumbar radiculopathy is caused by:
lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica and Winter Weather
With Texas recently experiencing a blast of unprecedented winter weather, an increasing number of individuals may now be experiencing lumbar radiculopathy for the first time or dealing with worsening sciatic pain. It is commonly believed that lumbar radiculopathy is compounded by cold and although this may seem like an old wive’s tale, there’s evidence that this may be the case.
Cold weather and everyday activities required while living in cold environments can dramatically impact pain – including pain caused by sciatica. Reasons pain could increase during cold snaps include:
As discussed, rest and typical household pain remedies can effectively manage minor onset lumbar radiculopathy; however, for many medical interventions may be required. If you are experiencing debilitating sciatic pain, our pain management experts are available for patient consultations.