Neuromodulation for pain management involves techniques aimed at altering the activity of our nervous system, such as in our brain and spine, to alleviate pain. And before we continue, I want to let you know that I am not a medical professional, and what follows is not medical advice. I enjoy researching such topics and hope you can take the information for your own deep dive.
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Here is an overview of how neuromodulation can be used for pain management:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS involves the use of electromagnetic pulses or signals to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It can target specific areas of the brain associated with pain perception, alter its pain signals, and potentially reduce pain sensitivity.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): In SCS, electrical impulses or signals are sent to the nervous system via electrodes implanted along the spinal cord. These signals alter the transmission of pain signals, potentially reducing or blocking the perception of pain.
- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS): PNS involves the use of electrodes near the nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord, and thus, are known as peripheral nerves. Similar to TMS and SCS, the delivery of the electrical impulses along the peripheral nerves alters or blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): DBS is generally used for more severe cases of chronic pain, and it involves electrodes to be surgically implanted into the deep structures of the brain. Similar to TMS, SCS and PNS, the electrodes send signals to alter the transmission of pain potentially providing long-lasting pain relief to target patients.
Neuromodulation techniques offer promising options for managing chronic pain when traditional treatments have been ineffective or just too intolerable. These techniques provide targeted and adjustable interventions that can be tailored to individual patient needs, offering hope for improved quality of life for those living with chronic pain.
To Your Success & Freedom,
Glenn Shimabukuro
