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Medical and Surgical Treatments The best treatment for each patient must be based on an accurate diagnosis. Although it is appealing to have the latest procedure, the newest medication, the smallest micro-surgery or arthroscopic surgery, best treatment must be appropriate for each individual patient’s condition. Treatment must also be based on scientific evidence, not marketing on television or in news magazines. At SpineCare, we pride ourselves on making correct and complete diagnoses, and then offering our patients the most effective treatment for their unique problems. We cannot jump at the latest fad, things that have not been proven to work. Our patients and our reputation mean too much for that. Spine surgery must be taken seriously. It is imperative to select the right procedure for the right patient at the right time. Many of the terms discussed here are also defined in the SpineCare glossary and illustrated in the section on anatomy. Spinal Cord Stimulation Spinal Cord Stimulation is an advanced pain management procedure that is very effective for the treatment of leg pain after surgery when the pain is due to a damaged nerve. Stimulation can also help arm pain from nerve damage. Some pain specialists feel that spinal cord stimulation can also help low back pain, but that has not been our experience. Spinal cord stimulation is a procedure in which a small wire that is connected to a power source, is placed in the back near to the spinal cord. Then an electrical signal is transmitted to the spinal cord. In many instances, the pain decreases and is replaced by a mild tingling sensation. The first step is a trial treatment in which a temporary wire is used and connected to a battery that is worn on the belt. The current can be turned on and off, or the intensity can be changed. If there is good relief of pain, the entire system can be placed under the skin so it is invisible. Once this minor surgery has healed, the patient can swim and exercise.

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