Opioid-Free Treatment for Chronic Pain
As our society continues to navigate the opioid crisis, it’s critically important for the millions of patients suffering from chronic pain to have access to non-opioid treatment options. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a pinnacle of pain management technology that provides the ideal alternative to opioids.
SCS uses mild pulses of electricity to block pain signals, which can significantly reduce pain. Though it has been around for decades, recent improvements have allowed SCS to achieve incredible new feats of pain relief while remaining 100% drug-free.
Twin Cities Pain Clinic is committed to offering the safest and most effective therapies for relieving pain. We believe spinal cord stimulation is the future of pain management and have established ourselves as a center of excellence for SCS therapy.
That is why we were incredibly proud to be the first healthcare organization in the entire Midwest to offer the Intellis™ spinal cord simulation platform from Medtronic. This revolutionary system includes the world’s smallest implantable spinal cord stimulator device for the management of certain types of chronic intractable pain.
The Promise of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that can negatively impact all aspects of a person’s life – relationships, work productivity and activities of daily living. Yet, it remains under-recognized and undertreated.1
Chronic pain is challenging to manage, but stimulation therapy can provide long-term pain relief and improved quality of life. In addition, it offers a new treatment option for patients interested in an opioid-free alternative.2-6
Founder and Medical Director of Twin Cities Pain Clinic, Dr. Andrew Will, is a passionate advocate of SCS therapy. He is often quoted as saying “electricity is the new drug – it can provide at least as much relief as opioid medication, but you can’t get addicted to it and the risk of bodily harm is next to nothing compared to opioids.”
Spinal Cord Stimulation at Work
This cutting-edge treatment offers hope to Minnesota residents struggling with chronic pain, including William “Bill” Kuehl. Bill was one of the first patients in Minnesota to receive the new Intellis SCS device.
After a bout with meningitis and a hip replacement procedure, Bill struggled with severe pain in his back and lower limbs. When asked how his new spinal cord stimulator has affected his quality of life and overall health he responded with, “When the SCS is turned on, life is great! I cannot imagine living without it.”
Bill enjoys nature and considers himself to be a true outdoorsman. He is a wonderful photographer. With the help of his Spinal Cord Stimulator, his can continue his passion by catching unique perspectives of wildlife and landscapes. Additionally, Bill enjoys spending time with his family, and traveling with his wife, Marilyn.
Bill is truly excited for his new Intellis Spinal Cord Stimulator and the life it will allow him to start living again. When asked if he would recommend spinal cord stimulation to others, he responded with, “All I can say is, WOW!” In other words, a resounding YES!
The Spinal Cord Stimulation Experts
Chronic pain has a significant personal impact on all those who suffer from it. Whether it be physically, emotionally, socially, or financially, it hits hard and cuts deep. The fact that spinal cord stimulation can provide fast-acting, long-lasting pain relief is a refreshing step forward. Therapies like SCS will also grow in importance as Minnesota and the nation continue to combat the opioid crisis.
Dr. Will and the Twin Cities Pain Clinic team welcome the opportunity to discuss chronic pain and our range of highly effective treatment options. If you have a question regarding Spinal Cord Stimulation or pain management care in general, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Call us at: 952-841-2345
Go online: twincitiespainclinic.com
References:
- Mekhail N, Wentzel DL, Freeman R, Quadri H. Counting the costs: case management implications of spinal cord stimulation treatment for failed back surgery syndrome. Prof Case Manag. 2011;16(1):27-36.
- North RB., Kidd DH., Farrokhi F, et al. Spinal cord stimulation versus repeated lumbosacral spine surgery for chronic pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Neurosurg; 56: 98–106 (2005).
- Kumar K., Taylor RS., Jacques L, et al., Spinal cord stimulation versus conventional medical management for neuropathic pain: a multicenter randomised controlled trial in patients with failed back surgery syndrome. Pain; 132: 179–188. (2007).
- Kemler MA., De Vet HCW., Barendse GAM et al., The effect of spinal cord stimulation in patients with chronic reflex sympathetic dystrophy: two years’ follow-up of the randomized controlled trial. Ann Neurol; 55: 13–18 (2004).
- Taylor RS, Spinal cord stimulation in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Refractory Neuropathic Back and Leg Pain/Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage; 31: S13–S19 (2006).
- Cameron T, Safety and efficacy of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain – a 20 year literature review. J Neurosurg Spine; 100: 254–267 (2004).
