Spinal Cord Stimulation As a Method of Reducing Opioids in Severe Chronic Pain: A Case Report and Review of the Literature (Scientific Article: Special Issue) (Case Study‪)‬

Introduction Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) was first described in the literature in 1967, when it was used by Shealy to treat pain secondary to invasive cancer involving the thoracic nerve roots. (1) Shortly after this initial report, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of SCS for neuropathic pain of the trunk and limbs. Prospective studies have found the successful use of this modality in patients suffering from failed back surgery syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, post herpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, ischemic limb pain, and intractable angina. (2,3,4) This therapy has been shown to be most effective in patients who describe their pain as burning, stabbing, shooting, and/or throbbing. Once the device is implanted the patients are placed in a comprehensive rehabilitation program to improve function.