Physical Therapy vs. Spinal Cord Stimulation: Which is Right for Me?

Physical therapy is a prevalent treatment option for various conditions and pain. It uses stretching, flexibility, and strength training to alleviate pain from injuries and surgery. Many people benefit from physical therapy, and it often prevents the need for more invasive treatments.

However, if pain persists from nerve damage, a spinal cord stimulator may be a better option. Spinal cord stimulation is an invasive procedure, but it’s highly successful for intractable back pain and nerve conditions that lead to chronic pain.

At her practice, Consultants in Pain Medicine, Dr. Stephanie S. Jones specializes in chronic pain management. She offers various pain treatments, including spinal cord stimulation, pain pumps, and epidural steroid injections for issues like back pain.

Who benefits from physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a well-rounded treatment that benefits many people, including those with acute injuries and chronic health issues. It uses various treatment modalities to improve the musculoskeletal system’s pain, balance, flexibility, and strength.

It’s often a first-line treatment after home care because it's not invasive and works for many different issues. People who may benefit from physical therapy are those with:

• Neurological problems
• Chronic pain
• Mobility problems
• Sports injuries

Physical therapy may also be required after surgery to regain strength and function in a specific body area. It’s an excellent option for chronic problems that affect daily activities.

A physical therapist evaluates your needs and health to determine the best action to improve mobility and overall functionality. They use manual muscle manipulation, stretching techniques, balance tools, and strength training to improve pain and other issues.

When is spinal cord stimulation an option?

Spinal cord stimulation is another treatment for chronic pain, but it differs significantly from physical therapy. A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device that consists of a battery (pulse generator) and electrical leads that deliver an electrical current to the spinal cord.

The result is nerve confusion, which eliminates chronic pain by keeping pain signals from reaching the brain. It’s an implanted device that requires a trial procedure and permanent placement to ensure you get proper relief.

Spinal cord stimulation isn’t usually the first treatment option because it’s invasive — but it’s an excellent option for intractable pain management from various conditions, including:

• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Intractable back pain
• Persistent spinal pain syndrome
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Other neuropathic pain
• Spinal cord injuries
• Cervical radiculopathy

The procedure is invasive but simple, and we proceed with the permanent device if you get at least 50% pain relief from the trial stimulator. The device lasts for many years and has a rechargeable or nonrechargeable pulse generator.

Choosing the best treatment

Physical therapy and spinal cord stimulation are both effective treatments for chronic pain — but which is best for you? The answer depends on various factors, including the cause of your pain and if you’ve tried other treatments.

The first line of treatment is often noninvasive, especially if you haven't tried any treatments yet for chronic pain. Dr. Jones discusses the symptoms, goals, and therapies you’ve tried to determine what treatment is necessary.

Physical therapy is often an option for chronic pain that doesn’t involve nerve damage. It’s an excellent option for injuries, postsurgical pain, recovery, and learning skills that manage daily discomfort.

But if you’re dealing with severe chronic pain from nerve issues or back pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments, spinal cord stimulation is the next step. It’s invasive but could prevent the need for further surgical therapies.

If physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and other treatments fail to relieve back or nerve pain, a spinal cord stimulator can help.

Call today to schedule a spinal cord stimulation appointment with Dr. Jones or request a consultation on our website.