Navigating life after a mastectomy often involves dealing with various forms of pain, ranging from acute to chronic. For many patients, traditional pain management methods, including medication and physical therapy, might not be sufficient. In such cases, advanced techniques like spinal cord stimulators (SCS) may offer a promising solution. This blog will explore how spinal cord stimulators can play a role in managing post-mastectomy pain, including their benefits, risks, and other considerations.
Understanding Post-Mastectomy Pain
For some patients, this pain becomes chronic and challenging to manage with conventional treatments alone. Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) can manifest as a range of symptoms including:
- Incisional Pain: Discomfort around the surgical site.
- Neuropathic Pain: Pain caused by nerve damage, which may present as burning, tingling, or sharp sensations.
- Muscle and Joint Pain: Often related to changes in posture and movement patterns post-surgery.
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator is a device implanted near the spinal cord to help manage chronic pain. It works by delivering electrical impulses to the spinal cord through electrodes, which interfere with the nerve signals that transmit pain to the brain. This stimulation can reduce the perception of pain and improve the patient’s overall quality of life. The device settings are completely customizable and can be adjusted to meet the individual’s pain management needs.
How Spinal Cord Stimulators Help with Post-Mastectomy Pain
- Neuropathic Pain Relief: Many mastectomy patients experience neuropathic pain, which spinal cord stimulators are particularly effective in treating. The device can alter nerve signal transmission, reducing or eliminating the sensation of pain.
- Reduced Dependence on Medications: By effectively managing pain, spinal cord stimulators can reduce the need for opioid and other pain medications, which helps minimize potential side effects and dependency issues.
- Improved Quality of Life: Effective pain management can lead to better sleep, improved mobility, and enhanced overall well-being, allowing patients to return to their daily activities with greater ease.
The Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedure
- Evaluation Phase: Before implantation, patients undergo a 7-day trial phase where a temporary spinal cord stimulator is placed to assess its effectiveness in pain relief. This trial helps determine whether the permanent device will be beneficial.
- Implantation: If the trial is successful, a permanent spinal cord stimulator is implanted. The procedure is relatively minimally invasive and involves placing a small device and electrodes near the spinal cord, usually under local anesthesia and sedation
- Post-Implantation Care: After the implantation, there will be a recovery period during which patients need to follow specific care instructions. This includes gradual reintroduction to physical activities and regular follow-ups with their healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Spinal cord stimulators are an FDA approved device for the treatment of chronic pain, failed back surgery, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and other pain conditions including post-mastectomy pain. Deciding whether a spinal cord stimulator is right for you involves discussing your specific pain management needs with your healthcare provider. They will consider factors such as the nature of your pain, your overall health, and your response to other treatments.
If you’re struggling with persistent pain after a mastectomy or other chronic pain, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our providers. Dr. Thomas Weber is board certified, and fellowship trained in Anesthesiology and Pain Management to offer you a customized treatment plan.
