Finding Relief: Spinal Cord Stimulation for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Adam* has been suffering from debilitating pain, numbness, and chronic burning in his legs and feet for years. These are signs of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a progressive disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life for roughly 50% of patients with diabetes. Adam confirmed this diagnosis with a doctor months ago and was offered several treatment methods to slow the progression of the disease and provide pain relief. This included medications and care to control his blood sugar levels. Yet nothing has worked in terms of improving his symptoms. That is when Adam’s doctor told him about another treatment option called spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

For diabetic patients like Adam, seeing their treatment options dwindle by the day can be devastating—especially when all they can think about is the pain that is keeping them from enjoying their ideal life. Spinal cord stimulation, an effective treatment offered by our team of vascular specialists at StrideCare, gives those individuals hope that an answer to their issue exists.

Do you have questions about spinal cord stimulation for help with your diabetic peripheral neuropathy? Schedule a consultation with StrideCare’s expert physicians.

Why Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients Need to Consider Every Option

Peripheral neuropathy affects more than 20 million people in the United States and refers to any condition that causes damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This interconnected network of nerves sends signals between the brain and spinal cord to all other parts of the body and keeps the body functioning properly. When one or more of these peripheral nerves are damaged or disrupted in some way, a host of symptoms can occur and impact one’s quality of life. There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each with their own symptoms and course of progression. This includes diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which is widely regarded as the leading form of peripheral neuropathy in the United States.

DPN is caused by prolonged exposure to elevated blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Over a significant period, elevated blood sugar can damage blood vessels that supply the nerves, resulting in nerve damage to the lower extremities. Additionally, other factors such as inflammation, changes in blood flow, and metabolic imbalances contribute to the development of DPN.

Are You Experiencing Symptoms of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms can vary from person to person, but a few of them can include:

• Numbness in the lower extremities
• Tingling or pins and needles sensations
• Increased pain during sleep
• Burning
• Slow-healing sores
• Shooting or stabbing pain in the affected area

Every treatment option should be considered when it comes to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately, some of the common treatment options do not work for everyone. Options include medications, steroid injections, physical therapy, braces, canes, walkers, acupuncture, and other pain treatments. When these tactics do not work, spinal cord stimulation can help eliminate pain and avoid more invasive surgical options.

How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?

As previously mentioned, your symptoms are caused by nerve damage in the lower extremities. Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive pain management alternative treatment that disrupts the pain signals traveling between the spinal cord and the brain. As a result, pain and discomfort from other symptoms are reduced, and the patient can experience immediate and long-term pain relief.

Spinal cord stimulation is an opioid-free, FDA-approved procedure. Here is how it works:

1. Before beginning treatment, patients will undergo a one-week trial in which temporary leads will be placed near the spinal cord to assess their effectiveness in relieving pain. If successful, patients will move on to the next step.
2. Our team of vascular specialists uses a small amount of numbing medication before making a tiny incision at the procedure site. From there, we implant a small device under the skin that sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord.
3. If successful, pain signals will be disrupted, and the patient will experience symptom relief.

It is important to reiterate that spinal cord stimulation does not cure diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It does provide patients with improved relief from their symptoms. Immediately following an SCS procedure, patients may notice swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the procedure site. This is normal, and side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days of treatment. Patients can go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days. Patients undergoing a spinal cord stimulation procedure may need to schedule regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of the implanted device.

A StrideCare vascular specialist will provide diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients with detailed post-procedure care instructions before spinal cord stimulation so that patients can know what to expect during recovery.

Is spinal cord stimulation right for you? Schedule a consultation with StrideCare’s expert vascular specialists to learn more.

What Are the Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation?

SCS offers several benefits for individuals suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This advanced medical treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for patients. A few key benefits include:

• Pain Relief: SCS provides effective pain relief by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain.
• Reduced Medication Use: Many patients experience a decrease in their reliance on pain medications, reducing the risk of side effects and dependency.
• Improved Functionality: Enhanced pain management leads to better physical function and increased mobility.
• Customizable Treatment: SCS devices can be adjusted to deliver optimal relief tailored to individual patient needs.
• Non-Destructive Procedure: Unlike other invasive surgeries, SCS is a reversible and adjustable treatment.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: With better pain control, patients often report improvements in overall quality of life, including sleep and daily activities.

Spinal cord stimulation stands out as a valuable option for managing chronic pain and enhancing patient well-being.

StrideCare Supports Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients With Spinal Cord Stimulation

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common condition, and the painful symptoms it causes can range from mild to severe. Where you fall into that spectrum may be different than someone else’s experience, but your situation is no less important. You deserve to live the life you want, and that is where we can help. Spinal cord stimulation may not cure diabetic peripheral neuropathy, but it is a highly effective treatment option that can lead to effective pain management.

StrideCare has long been a leader in multi-specialty care for treating lower-extremity vascular and podiatric conditions. This includes our ability to perform leading-edge procedures to treat artery and vein disease and symptoms that, while minor in their earliest stages, can eventually lead to more severe and life-interrupting issues. The key is not to delay seeking help. Our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and minimally invasive procedures to help our patients reclaim their lives.

The experts at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results. Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. We are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.

StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Bay City, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, Dallas, Mesquite, Addison, Arlington, Plano, McKinney, Craig Ranch, Prosper, Flower Mound, Euless, Southlake, South Dallas, Sherman, Irving, Garland, Carrollton, Rowlett, Coppell, Forney, Rockwall, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Clear Lake, The Woodlands, Lake Jackson, San Antonio, Stone Oak, and more.

*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.