A Different Approach to Diabetic Nerve Pain
Burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain in the feet and lower legs can be symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. For appropriate patients with chronic painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord stimulation may be an option when conservative treatments have not provided enough relief.
Schedule an EvaluationLet's Find the Source of Your Pain.
Dr. Frank Kuwamura evaluates each patient individually to understand the source of their pain and determine whether spinal cord stimulation or another treatment option may be appropriate.
Understanding Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can affect the nerves in the feet and lower extremities. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may interfere with sleep, walking, activity, and everyday life.
Burning
A burning sensation in the feet or lower extremities can occur with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Tingling & Numbness
Changes in sensation may include tingling, pins-and-needles sensations, or numbness.
Chronic Nerve Pain
Persistent nerve pain may affect sleep, walking, physical activity, and daily quality of life.
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation, commonly called SCS, is a treatment approach that uses electrical stimulation near the spinal cord. The stimulation is designed to influence pain signaling before those signals are perceived by the brain.
An SCS system typically includes leads positioned near the spinal cord and a small pulse generator that delivers the stimulation.
The specific system and treatment approach can vary depending on the patient's condition and individual circumstances.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
SCS is designed to alter the way certain pain signals are processed. For appropriate patients, it may provide another treatment option when conservative care has not provided enough relief.
Leads
Small leads are positioned near the spinal cord to deliver electrical stimulation.
Pulse Generator
A small device generates the electrical pulses used by the stimulation system.
Pain Signaling
The stimulation is designed to influence pain signaling before those signals are perceived by the brain.
Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Right for You?
SCS is not appropriate for everyone. A physician evaluation is necessary to determine whether spinal cord stimulation or another treatment option may be appropriate.
- Your symptoms and pain pattern
- Your medical history
- Previous treatments
- Your response to conservative care
- Your individual circumstances and treatment goals
SCS Is About Pain Management — Not Treating Diabetes
Spinal cord stimulation does not treat diabetes itself. It may be considered for certain appropriate patients experiencing chronic painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment approach that uses electrical stimulation near the spinal cord to influence certain pain signals.
Can spinal cord stimulation help diabetic nerve pain?
For appropriate patients with chronic painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord stimulation may be an additional treatment option when conservative care has not provided enough relief.
Does spinal cord stimulation treat diabetes?
No. Spinal cord stimulation is intended to address certain types of chronic pain. It does not treat diabetes itself.
Is everyone with diabetic neuropathy a candidate?
No. A physician evaluation is needed to determine whether SCS may be appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and individual circumstances.
What is the first step?
The first step is an evaluation with a physician who can review your symptoms and medical history and discuss potential treatment options.
Let's Find the Source of Your Pain.
If diabetic nerve pain is affecting your sleep, walking, activity, or everyday life, schedule an evaluation to learn more about your options.
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