Central Texas Spine Institute Puts Patients In Touch With Their Spine

Austin, TX based Central Texas Spine Institute PLLC (CTSI) is taking steps to raise awareness of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) therapy. In particular, the clinic wishes to illustrate how it can be used to help those who suffer from chronic spine pain, especially if they have already tried other methods to alleviate their discomfort.

According to an article shared on the clinic’s website, SCS, “is a procedure created to relieve the chronic pain that most treatments failed to overcome.” A tiny device is used to emit electrical signals to the patient’s brain via implanted wiring, which effectively helps mask the pain they feel in their lower body. The clinic is quick to reassure patients that this procedure is not complicated; however, they acknowledge that the idea of implanting such a device can be a lot for some patients to accept.

To help with this, the clinic advises their community to think of an SCS as an analogue to the pacemaker. The article says, “During surgery, a small medical device is set up under the skin and near the spine. This will send electrical impulses to the brain, forcibly blocking the pain signal from going up to the brain. You can also control the pulse generator and adjust the electrical signals. Instead of sharp pain, you will experience tingling sensations in the treated area.”

There are three different kinds of SCS: The Conventional Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG), Rechargeable Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) and Radiofrequency Stimulator. It is recommended that patients discuss each option with their doctor to learn more about their individual attributes and which is right for them. It is also important that patients have the right expectations regarding what an SCS procedure aims to achieve— since the goal is to help the patient manage pain, even a 50% reduction in the discomfort they feel will be considered a success. As far as risks go, however, patients can rest assured that this procedure carries no great risk (other than the general complications any normal surgery would offer). The SCS device may suffer mechanical failure, but additional surgery can remedy this issue as well.

CTSI explores this subject (and many others) in greater detail on their Facebook page. Those interested in keeping up to date with the latest in spine therapy and treatment are welcome to connect with the clinic through this space as well as CTSI’s other social media platforms. The clinic firmly believes that a core part of any treatment is a patient who is informed of their options and is therefore able to make educated decisions regarding their treatment, so they make it a point to share as much insight as possible through such mediums. As a result, those who are simply intrigued by the topics explored here are just as welcome as patients who want to learn more about their own conditions.

One of the other benefits of following the clinic on Facebook is the fact that patients regularly share details of their experiences with CTSI’s team. This can help new patients gain an idea of what to expect if they were to seek treatment at the Central Texas Spine Institute as well — and the clinic adds that such testimonials are excellent sources of hope for those who are concerned by the possible severity of their own condition.

For instance, Carol Clutz Regli’s recommendation for the clinic shares, “My 80 year old mom was in debilitating pain for months. An MRI showed that she had a synovial cyst at L4/L5. A surgeon recommended an invasive procedure that would require a 6-9 month recovery. Dr. Dryer reviewed the MRI and did a physical exam after which he recommended a minimally invasive surgery. They were able to do the surgery the next week.”

It continues, “Two weeks later, as Dr. Dryer predicted, she was able to dance at my son's wedding. At 6 weeks post surgery, she is off of restrictions and, other than some residual numbness, is pain free! Thank you to Dr. Dryer and the team at Central Texas Spine Institute for giving my mom her life back!” In practice, CTSI hopes that such testimonials will give other people in chronic pain the push they need to seek help from professionals in the field.

Chronic pain can take away a patient’s ability to perform even the simplest tasks. For this reason, the Central Texas Spine Institute urges the members of their community to approach them for aid as soon as possible if they find themselves in this situation. Whether it be through a SCS procedure or other option, the clinic will do their best to change their patient’s life for the better.

The clinic’s location, patient reviews and other useful information can be found on their Google Maps listing. Patients and other interested parties may reach out to Dr. Randall F. Dryer of Central Texas Spine Institute for further details as well.