Electrical Stimulation for Nerve Injury Pain

New studies show that a novel spinal cord stimulation system utilizing electrical fields maximizes therapeutic effect and helps patients experience less pain. The findings were reported in the July 2004 issue of Neuromodulation.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used for more than 30 years to treat chronic pain. The new studies reveal that patients using SCS visit hospitals less frequently, use fewer narcotics and opiates, and lead more healthy and active lifestyles. The new neurostimulation system is different in that it uses a current-shifting programming technique. The changing distribution of electrical current shifts the electric field along the spinal cord, resulting in real-time, dynamic paresthesia steering. This process is called continuous electric field adjustments (CEFA).

"The use of continuous electric field adjustments enabled us to use up to 71 combinations, assessed in just four minutes,” explained author Dr. John Oakley, director of pain management for the Northern Rockies Pain Rehabilitation Center (Billings, MT, USA). "This, along with patient feedback, can help implanting physicians realize the best locations of leads and therefore maximize therapeutic possibilities.”