Open AccessSpinal Cord Stimulation in Axial Low Back Pain: Solving the Dilemma
Author(s) -
Oakley John C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2006.00123.x
Subject(s) - medicine , spinal cord stimulation , stimulation , back pain , anesthesia , spinal cord , physical medicine and rehabilitation , low back pain , physical therapy , alternative medicine , pathology , psychiatry
Objective. To present the problem of producing stimulation paresthesia effects in the lower back dermatomes and to present some of the relevant outcome data using newer stimulation techniques, which suggest that this technique is efficacious in treating lower back pain. Design. Review of clinical, physiological, and anatomical arguments regarding the use of spinal cord stimulation in lower back pain. Conclusion. Use of modern stimulation techniques allows reliable production of paresthesia stimulation effects in the lower back dermatomes. Clinical studies have suggested that improvement of pain can be attained in about 50% of patients and held stable for up to 2 years.