SCS Trial Procedure
- It can help the patient/physician analyze whether SCS effectively relieves pain.
- It provides the patient/physician with an assessment period to determine which type of SCS technology works best.
- It enables the patient/physician to evaluate different stimulation settings and programs.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Applying RFA to the medial branch nerves that go to the facet joints may be a more permanent treatment for facet joint pain.
Applying RFA to the nerves that go to the sacroiliac joint may also be a more permanent treatment for SI joint pain
What will happen during the procedure?
- The procedure will take 30 to 45 minutes, with you lying on your stomach.
- The needle will be directed to its proper location using X-ray guidance.
- Once the needle and electrode are in the correct location, the nerve is heated with radio waves until that nerve is unable to pass pain signals to the brain.
- During the procedure, the doctor will ask you if you feel a tingling sensation or if you feel your muscle twitching. This will help ensure the electrode is in the proper place.
- You will be given local anesthesia. If needed, sedative medication may be given to reduce discomfort. You will be awake during much of the procedure.
Medial Branch Block Injection
Epidural Steroid Injection
EMG/NCS
Motor neurons transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract. An EMG translates these signals into graphs, sounds or numerical values that a specialist interprets.
An EMG uses tiny devices called electrodes to transmit or detect electrical signals.
During a needle EMG, a needle electrode inserted directly into a muscle records the electrical activity in that muscle.
Nerve Conduction Study
A nerve conduction study, another part of an EMG, uses electrodes taped to the skin (surface electrodes) to measure the speed and strength of signals traveling between two or more points.
EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.
Your doctor may order an EMG if you have signs or symptoms that may indicate a nerve or muscle disorder. Such symptoms may include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle pain or cramping
- Certain types of limb pain
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for Chronic Migraines
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for Spasticity
Good candidates for Botox treatments typically have spasticity in only a few muscle groups. Initial treatment for spasticity includes rehabilitative stretching and exercise programs. These regimens should be continued during Botox treatments to ensure maximum treatment effectiveness.
Small doses of Botox injected into a muscle block the release of a neurotransmitter chemical known as acetylcholine, which transmits messages from the brain through the nerves to tell a muscle to contract. When acetylcholine is blocked, the muscle relaxes.
Suboxone/Buprenorphine Treatment
Ketamine
Ketamine has been used for general anesthesia for 50 years. Over the past decade, low dose Ketamine is showing promise as an effective treatment for the above conditions. Ketamine infusions are considered “off label” because the FDA has not yet approved Ketamine for these conditions.
Most infusions are around 40 minutes in length with a recommended six infusions over 2-3 weeks.
Some patients may notice symptom improvement within 24 hours of the infusion, and symptoms improve as the series continues.
For more information or a free consultation, please call Lavonna Sanders, APRN, CRNA at 918-344-0807.