A Better Way continued
PAIN IN THE BACK CAN BE RELIEVED
Neurosurgeons at Scott & White Healthcare offer the latest
techniques in minimally invasive spinal surgery and advanced
pain procedures, says Dr. Vasilios Zerris. But, of 10 people
with a spine disorder or back pain, usually only one can be
helped by spinal surgery. The Neuroscience Institute at Scott
& White now offers pioneering technology that can help
patients who would not benefit from spinal surgery.
“Not only do we have minimally invasive approaches for
the ones who need spinal surgery, we actually have pain
procedures for the other nine people who would not benefit
from spine surgery. Because of these advanced techniques,
we never have to tell patients that there is nothing we can
do to help them,” says Dr. Zerris. These pain-relieving
procedures are the dorsal column stimulator and the “pain
pump.” A dorsal column stimulator is a battery with electrode
leads that are placed on the spinal cord. “By stimulating a
specific part of the spinal cord, we can block the pain signals
from ascending to the brain no matter where pain is coming
from,” Dr. Zerris says.
The stimulator, which is the size of a pacemaker, is implanted
beneath the skin. The stimulator’s battery can be recharged
with a pad, much like the latest cell phones, so the battery
does not have to be replaced.
“Because of these advanced
techniques, we never have to tell
patients that there is nothing we
can do to help them.” —Dr. Vasilios Zerris
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