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A spinal cord stimulator (SCS), also known as a dorsal column stimulator, is a device surgically placed under your skin to send a mild electric current to your spinal cord. This therapy can essentially reduce your pain significantly.

Stimulation does not eliminate the source of pain, it simply interferes with the signal to the brain, therefore, the amount of pain relief varies for each person. The device is first done as a trial before it is placed permanently. The goal for spinal cord stimulation is a 50-70% reduction in pain. However, even a small amount of pain reduction can be significant if it provides you with quality of life and a decrease or elimination of your pain medications.

If the trial is unsuccessful, the implant can be removed and does not damage the spinal cord or change the anatomy.

FDA-approved indications include the following:

1) Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)

2) Chronic painful peripheral neuropathy

3) Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

4) Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) I and II

You may be a candidate for SCS if you meet the following criteria:

Conservative therapies have failed

Your source of pain has been verified

Additional surgery is not an option

You are using pain medication or other drugs daily

You do not have depression or other psychiatric conditions that contribute to your pain

You are medically at high risk

You have had a successful trial stimulation

*This procedure is performed by Dr. Bannister as an outpatient procedure and is covered by insurance.

Stem cell therapy is a natural way of treating conditions such as knee pain, shoulder pain and hip pain. This is a minimally invasive, out patient procedure that is performed by Dr. Bannister.

How it Works:

Chronic joint pain is usually due to degenerative changes of the bone and soft tissue within the joint. Stem cells have been shown to regenerate the tissue that has been lost due to normal wear and tear.

How it’s Done:

Stem cells are harvested from your bone marrow or adipose tissue (usually the abdomen). The cells are then processed and injected into your problem area. Mature stem cells reproduce quickly and can repair damaged joints.

Discomfort should be minimal, with some localized pain around the injection site.

Stem Cell Therapy is not currently covered by medical insurance.

Treatment for lower back pain depends upon the patient’s history and the type and severity of pain. The majority of lower back pain cases get better within six weeks without surgery. Examples of conservative treatment includes: – Rest, Ice and or heat – Exercise, Physical Therapy and Chiropractic treatment – Medications (OTC or prescribed) If you continue to have pain despite conservative treatment and you have any of the following diagnoses, we can offer you minimally invasive treatment options: –… Read More

An intrathecal pump is a medical device used to deliver medications directly into the space between the spinal cord and the protective sheath surrounding the spinal cord. ​ ​Delivery of drugs into spinal fluid requires smaller amounts of medication and is often more effective at controlling pain than oral therapy. Spinal analgesia may be so effective, that patients are able to reduce or discontinue oral pain medications, thus decreasing associated side effects. Who is a Candidate? Those who have failed… Read More