"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."