Video: How to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery
In this video, Dr. Angela Bohnen with Neurosurgery One discusses how chronic back pain can be treated without surgery, with the use of an implanted spinal cord stimulator. Heather, a patient of Dr. Bohnen, tells her story of how her back pain started and progressed, and how the stimulator has helped her to regain mobility. The video covers the different types of stimulator programs available and how to contact a physician if interested in trying one.
- 00:00:00 This webinar will discuss treatment options for chronic pain, with a focus on nonsurgical and alternative methods. Dr. Angela Bohnen will discuss her experience as a neurosurgeon, and Heather, a patient of Dr. Bohnen’s, will share her story of chronic pain and how a therapy mentioned in the webinar helped her regain control of her life. Finally, questions will be answered.
- 00:05:00 The video discusses the different types of pain and how to identify which is causing the patient’s pain. It also discusses how to treat chronic back pain without surgery.
- 00:10:00 Chronic back pain can be difficult to treat without surgery, but there are a variety of interventions that can be used, including drug pumps, injections, and radiofrequency ablation.
- 00:15:00 Spinal cord stimulator therapy is an effective treatment for chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain. Trial of spinal cord stimulator is recommended for patients with failed other treatments and complex regional pain syndrome.
- 00:20:00 Chronic back pain can be caused by a pinched nerve, weakness, or numbness in the spinal cord. SCS is a safe and drug-free therapy that is clinically proven to help reduce pain. Boston Scientific’s SCS systems are personalized to your unique needs and preferences.
- 00:25:00 Chronic back pain can be caused by nerve signals from the affected area traveling through the spinal cord to the brain in a split second, but the person usually does not actually feel the pain until the brain receives the pain message. Boston Scientific offers SCS systems that provide parasthesia, which is a type of soothing sensation, to patients instead of the pain that they normally feel. Clinical studies have shown that when patients can choose between multiple therapies in one device, they achieve better overall pain relief.
- 00:30:00 Chronic back pain can often be treated without surgery or surgery-related pain, by following a trial to determine the specific type of pain the patient is suffering from and customizing the SCS to that pain. Sleeping, resting, and exercising are also important to follow to reduce pain and improve function. Patients can also use a spinal cord stimulator to reduce pain without having to take medication.
- 00:35:00 Chronic back pain can often be treated effectively without surgery. However, there is a risk of spinal cord stimulator malfunctions. Patients typically have a choice between a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery typically lasts longer, but the non-rechargeable battery does not need to be regularly recharged. Trial procedures are short and safe, and patients can usually go home the same day. A representative from the trial company is usually attached to the case to help monitor patient feedback and make changes to the program as needed.
00:40:00 The video discusses how chronic back pain can be treated without surgery, with the use of an implanted spinal cord stimulator. Heather, a patient of Dr. Bohnen, tells her story of how her back pain started and progressed, and how the stimulator has helped her to regain mobility.- 00:45:00 Heather discusses her experience with chronic back pain and how a stimulator device helped her significantly reduce her pain and improve her quality of life. She notes that the remote doesn’t need to be on the patient’s hip to work, and that the stimulator can be turned off and on at any time.
- 00:50:00 The author discusses how to treat chronic back pain without surgery, noting that spinal cord stimulator treatment is only for pain relief and that a different approach is needed if the back pain is caused by a compression issue. The author also discusses the different types of surgery available and notes that, for those who are too sick for general anesthesia, a modified procedure can be used.
- 00:55:00 This presentation covers ways to treat chronic back pain without surgery. Patients can learn about the different programs available to them, and how to contact their physicians if they are interested in trying one. The office is always available to help patients figure out the right course of action.
