Spinal Cord Stimulation for Diabetic Neuropathy

If you’re living with diabetic neuropathy, you know how debilitating the condition can be. The pain, numbness, and tingling can make it difficult to live a normal life. There is hope, however. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a treatment that is effective in reducing or eliminating the pain of diabetic neuropathy.

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment that uses electrical impulses to relieve pain. The electrical impulses are sent from a device called a neurostimulator, which is implanted under the skin. The neurostimulator is connected to electrodes placed next to the spinal cord. When the neurostimulator is turned on, the electrical impulses block the pain signals from reaching the brain.

Electrical impulses also stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms. This can help to reduce further or eliminate the pain. When the electrical impulses are no longer needed, the neurostimulator can be turned off or removed. Therefore, it is a reversible and non-destructive treatment option.

How can spinal cord stimulation be used for diabetic neuropathy?

There are two types of diabetic neuropathy. They are:

• Peripheral neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities.
• Autonomic neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects the nerves that control the autonomic nervous system. This includes the nerves that control the heart, blood vessels, stomach, intestines, bladder, and sex organs. Autonomic neuropathy can cause problems with blood pressure, sweating, and digestion.

Spinal cord stimulation is effective in treating both types of diabetic neuropathy. In a study of patients with peripheral neuropathy, SCS was found to reduce pain in all patients treated effectively. In another study of patients with autonomic neuropathy, SCS was found to be effective in reducing blood pressure and improving digestive function.

How Diabetic Neuropathy Affects the Body

Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar damages the nerves. Diabetic neuropathy can affect any nerve in the body. The most common type is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves in the extremities. Autonomic neuropathy, which affects the nerves that control the autonomic nervous system, is less common.

Peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities. Autonomic neuropathy can cause problems with blood pressure, sweating, and digestion. Diabetic neuropathy can also lead to diabetic foot ulcers, resulting in amputation.

The best way to prevent diabetic neuropathy is to control blood sugar levels. This can be done through diet, exercise, and medication. If you have diabetes, it is important to see your doctor regularly to detect and treat any early signs of neuropathy.

Spinal cord stimulation may be an option if you are living with diabetic neuropathy. SCS is effective in reducing or eliminating the pain of diabetic neuropathy. It is a safe and effective treatment that can help you regain your quality of life.

Get Relief from Diabetic Neuropathy with SCS

Spinal cord stimulation may be an option if you are living with chronic pain and pain due to neuropathy. SCS is a safe and effective treatment that can help you regain your quality of life. If you want to learn more about spinal cord stimulation, please contact us today!

Dr. Singh is the founder and Medical Director of Spine Pain Diagnostics Associates. He is board certified in Anesthesiology and the subspecialty of Pain Medicine.  He has provided Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin with the highest quality of care in interventional pain management since 1989. He was one of the first physicians to perform the procedure known as IDET in 1998 and Nucleoplasty in 2000. In addition, he has written and contributed to over 130 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, two authoritative textbooks, and guidelines for interventional pain physicians.