Complications of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Abstract Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a proven therapy for complex regional pain syndrome, failed back surgery syndrome, and other diseases. Although SCS is found to be cost effective, complications…
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
Abstract Conventional or traditional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) (paresthesia forming, nonkilohertz frequency or burst, and paresthesia-free SCS) is used for peripheral neuropathic pain of multiple indications, such as failed back…
Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Low Back Pain
Abstract Although the most common application of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been the treatment of persistent pain following low back surgery, pain in the low back proper has proven…
Neurostimulation for the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Abstract Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) has specific diagnostic criteria which set it apart from many pain syndromes. Thus CRPS patients can be studied to evaluate the efficacy of various…
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Neuromodulation of Pain
Abstract Physical pain is a leading cause of healthcare spending, work-related disability, and morbidity in the United States. The development of advanced functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques such as…
The Development of Algorithms for Pain Care Including Neuromodulation Therapies : Introducing the SAFE Principles
Abstract Traditional serial algorithms for medical care for chronic pain are based on cost effectiveness and noninvasiveness. These older ways of thinking place neuromodulation therapies as a last resort in…
History of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Abstract With the “gate theory” of pain as its theoretical foundation, the first spinal cord stimulation (SCS) implant was performed 50 years ago. The earliest electrodes required a laminotomy for…
The Surgical Technique of Vagus Nerve Stimulator Implantation
Abstract Chronic electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve is now an accepted therapeutic alternative for a number of medical conditions. The effectiveness of this therapy is lost when the device…
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Chronic Pain
Abstract Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage. The experience of pain serves as one…
Management Strategies for Chronic Pain
Abstract The management of chronic pain is a clinically complex and challenging task for practitioners. A strategy for chronic pain management begins with a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of…
