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Spinal nerve stimulation is a technique that transmits low-level electrical signals to the spinal cord or to specific nerves, in order to block pain signals from reaching the brain. When treatments for chronic low back pain are unsuccessful, spinal nerve stimulation may be an option.
1. Overview of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is back pain that lasts more than 3 months. Back pain may not be controlled or improve with treatment, leaving your arms and legs weak.
Chronic back pain can develop after an injury or surgery, as well as develop from acute pain. Some factors that increase the risk of back pain include:
Age Inactivity and exercise Repeated twisting or heavy lifting due to occupation Weight gain due to obesity or pregnancy Meet injury from a fall or accident Driving, standing or sitting for long periods of time, in poor posture. In addition, health conditions affecting the spine, joints, or muscles can also cause back pain, such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, muscle strain, or damaged discs.
2. Spinal nerve stimulation
Spinal nerve stimulation is recommended when other treatments have failed, when surgery is not helpful, or surgery fails. However, this device is not for everyone. You need to visit your doctor's office to check if this technique is right for you.
During spinal nerve stimulation, the doctor will use a needle placed behind near the spinal cord and implant a device that transmits electrical signals. The doctor will then make a small incision to place the pulse generator above the buttocks. The patient can turn the current on and off or adjust the strength of the signal. There are some devices that will cause a pleasant or tingling sensation, but not all are created equal.
Some medical facilities commonly use a fully implanted spinal cord stimulation system with a pulse generator, like a battery. Most modern new devices have pulse generator systems, which can be easily recharged through the skin. However, there are some fully implanted pulse generators that do not require recharging, but operate for a shorter time and then require replacement.
There is another type of equipment including antennas, transmitters and receivers that rely on radio frequencies for power. In these systems, the antenna and transmitter are placed outside the body, while the receiver is implanted inside the body.
Đau lưng mãn tính là tình trạng lưng bị đau kéo dài hơn 3 tháng
3. Other methods of treating chronic back pain
Before performing spinal nerve stimulation, patients with chronic back pain are often suggested to be treated with some of the following drugs:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce swelling and pain or Acetaminophen helps relieve pain and fever. Note, do not consume more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day to avoid liver damage Muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasms and treat chronic back pain Other pain relievers prescribed by your doctor. To manage chronic back pain, patients can also perform home remedies at the same time as treating chronic back pain as prescribed by a doctor, such as:
Apply ice packs painful area to relieve pain and prevent tissue damage Hot compress to control pain and reduce muscle spasms Massage to help relieve muscle tension, if done regularly can also prevent back pain Acupuncture (ask consult a doctor before treating chronic back pain in this way) Limit stress and stress by listening to music, meditating or using aromatherapy Maintain a habit of movement and gentle exercise, appropriate Do not lift heavy objects until the pain is gone Do physical therapy as directed to improve range of motion and muscle strength, thereby reducing back pain. In summary, people with back pain due to nerve factors can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, ... with the dosage as directed by the doctor. In addition, patients should also apply methods such as hot / cold compresses or physical therapy to effectively support the treatment of chronic back pain. If none of the above measures work, your doctor may suggest electrical nerve stimulation.
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