Why It’s Important to Find a Neurosurgeon to Discuss Your Chronic Pain Issues
Many adults experience chronic back and neck pain along with other neurological conditions that affect their daily lives. It is believed that over 1.5 billion people are living with chronic pain. In order to alleviate this pain and other symptoms and increase functionality, a variety of procedures may be recommended. Given the advancements that have been made, minimally invasive spine surgery and other minimally-invasive procedures may be an option in many instances.
Addressing Bulging Discs
There are three spinal regions where a bulging disc can occur. These are the cervical, or upper region, the thoracic, or middle region, and the lumbar, or lower region. Most, or roughly 90% of bulging discs, however, will originate in the lower back, or the lumbar spine. Surgery may only be necessary to relieve pain and loss of function in ten percent of bulging disc cases. This is because there are other options to provide pain relief and increase function.
Pain Management With Spinal Cord Stimulation
Neurostimulators are implanted to address a variety of issues, which includes chronic pain relief. Recent figures show that on an annual basis, as many as 50,000 of these devices are implanted throughout the world. There have been various studies that have demonstrated the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation for pain relief. As a result, some individuals have reduced their intake of pain medication.
According to one study’s participants, for example, the patients that received high-frequency therapy either reduced or ceased taking their opioid medications altogether. It’s important to note that the participants within this study had been experiencing chronic pain for an average of 13 years.
Another study’s results showed that pain reduction and relief tended to continue for some individuals following spinal cord stimulation. It was estimated that approximately 60% of the individuals that received this procedure continued to experience reduced pain or relief from pain after one to two years following the procedure.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More
Has your primary care physician or back specialist recommended that you find a neurosurgeon to address an issue such as chronic pain, a pinched nerve, or a bulging disk? It’s important to note that many issues can now be taken care of with minimally-invasive surgery. When you find a neurosurgeon and schedule an initial consultation, remember to bring a list of questions with you. During your appointment, your neurosurgeon will be able to discuss your condition and provide treatment recommendations and options.
