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spineuniverse.com

August 13, 2008

Ask The Experts

Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Safe?

Question:
My doctor just suggested spinal cord stimulation, so your last answer was very timely. But I still have one main question: How do I keep it from “over-stimulating”? I’m very concerned about the safety of spinal cord stimulation.
—Durham, NC

Answer:
Before you have a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implanted—and even before you have a trial run with the spinal cord stimulator—please ask your doctor any and all questions. He should take the time to thoroughly explain how the stimulator works, what precautions you’ll have to take, and the risks and benefits.

I’m glad you wrote in to Ask The Experts, too, though. It’s worthwhile to gather as much information as you can.

With a spinal cord stimulator, patients are well-educated about…

Read Complete Answer

This Week's Expert:
Edward J. Kowlowitz, MD
Medical Director
Center for Pain Management
Indianapolis, IN

Back and Neck Pain Memo

                    Memo to Airlines:
                    No  More In-flight Back Pain

                    Dear Airline Industry,
                    
A recent survey on SpineUniverse found that 88% of people  have back or neck pain after a flight. That's almost everyone! But  here's what you may be interested in - 74% of people surveyed have a few words  they want to say to you: Charge me more, please.
If you give them a  more spine-friendly airplane seat, that is. People are willing to pay an extra fee for a seat that gives them  support, not back pain.
So, what do you think? You can read an  article about the airplane survey here.
Sincerely,

                      SpineUniverse

Sponsored by: Kyphon

About our Sponsor:

Spinal Fracture Treatment Option

If you have a spinal fracture, there are treatment options. Pain relievers can help relieve the discomfort caused by a spinal fracture, but they do nothing to address the fracture itself. In fact, treatment with pain relievers alone allows the fracture to heal in a permanently deformed state.

Featured Clinical Trial

Artificial Disc Trial

If you have low back Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) at one spinal level, you may be a candidate for the Activ-L™ Artificial Disc clinical trial.

This clinical investigation, sponsored by Aesculap Implant Systems, Inc., studies the safety and effectiveness of this new artificial disc in the treatment of lumbar DDD....Read More

Common Conditions:

Back Pain
Neck Pain
Degenerative Disc Disease
Herniated Discs
Kyphosis
Low Back Pain
Osteoporosis/Spinal Fracture
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Spinal Stenosis
Spondylosis
Spondylolisthesis
Whiplash
Other Back Problems A-Z

Back Pain Videos

Visual Learners Wanted

Learn about your spinal anatomy, see what happens to your intervertebral discs as you age, watch how an MRI is done, and more.

Healthy Living

Working to Avoid Spine Injuries

Ergonomics isn’t just a lofty idea invented to keep workers’ comp cases under control. No—whether you work in a factory, cubicle, or at home, how you treat your body during work affects your spine. Here’s what you need to know about ergonomics before facing another work day.…Read More

Take an eye break every 15 minutes to give your eyes a chance to relax and reduce strain.

Spine Care Tips

How To: Find a Good Medical Professional

Maybe you feel like you’ve tried all Western or "traditional" medicine has to offer for your back pain. Maybe you feel like nothing’s going to help you. Maybe you should try a complementary or alternative treatment: acupuncture, massage, herbs.

Tips on how to find a good CAM practitioner—because you should know what you’re getting into before you try any new treatment...Read More

Acupuncturists are one type of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners.

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