St. Louis-based Barnes-Jewish Hospital's Washington University Pain Center is offering spinal cord stimulation to treat back pain, sans opioids, according to Medical Xpress.
Here are four takeaways:
1. Washington University School of Medicine researchers participated in clinical trials for new SCS devices, which deliver higher frequencies and cut down on tingling sensations.
2. Michael Bottros, MD, Barnes-Jewish Hospital assistant professor of anesthesiology and director of the acute pain service, told Medical Xpress that opioids help patients temporarily, but "new-generation stimulators fill an important niche."
3. Studies have demonstrated SCS devices may prove more impactful for patients who underwent back surgery, but still experience pain.
4. Washington University Pain Management Center physicians see patients at the Center for Advanced Medicine.