For 67-year-old Mike Parish, chronic back pain wasn’t just a part-time annoyance, it was a full-time occupation. For over five years, his life was defined by what he couldn’t do. The sports he loved, like golf and pickleball, were sidelined. Even hunting, a true passion, had to be “put on the shelf” because he simply couldn’t get around anymore. [00:22]
“Thinking about my pain was pretty much full-time,” Mike recalls. “It was just always there.”
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
When traditional treatments failed to give Mike the relief he needed, he was referred to pain specialist Dr. Christoper Woolley, who discovered that he was a good candidate for a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) and encouraged him to consider it.
An SCS is a small, implanted device designed to manage chronic pain by sending gentle electrical impulses directly to the spinal cord. These impulses intercept pain signals before they reach the brain, effectively “masking” the sensation of pain.
The “Test Drive”: The One-Week Trial
One of the most significant advantages of spinal cord stimulation at Sierra Neurosurgery Group is the trial period. Before any permanent procedure, patients undergo a one-week trial to ensure the device is the right fit for their specific pain.
- Minimally Invasive: The trial is performed using a technique similar to an epidural injection.
- Tailored Relief: The stimulator is programmed to target your specific painful areas.
- Real-World Testing: You get to see how the device works during your daily activities before committing to the permanent implant.
For Mike, the results were undeniable. “My ‘aha’ moment was pretty immediate,” he says. “The pain was virtually gone right then.”
“Back At It”: Life After Chronic Back Pain
Today, Mike’s life looks entirely different than it did just six months ago. He has traded constant pain for an active lifestyle that includes:
- Golfing: Hitting the links two or three times a week.
- Active Living: Walking his dog for three to four miles, five days a week.
- Outdoor Adventures: Returning to hunting trips that were previously impossible.
Perhaps most impressively, Mike is preparing for the Reno Rodeo cattle drive, a grueling five-day trail ride. It’s an adventure he wouldn’t be able to accomplish with low back pain.
Beyond Surgery: Exploring Your Options
Many patients hesitate to visit a neurosurgery office because they fear surgery is the only answer. At Sierra Neurosurgery Group, surgery is an option, but not usually the first one
As Dr. Woolley explains, we act as “detectives” to find the root of your pain. From minimally invasive procedures like spinal cord stimulators to other advanced therapies, we offer a wide range of options that go far beyond the “tip of the iceberg” of traditional treatments.
Don’t Wait to Reclaim Your Life
If you are living with chronic back pain, don’t wait years to seek help. Mike’s motto is fitting after his SCS success: “Back at it.”
Whether you want to return to the golf course, the hunting grounds, or simply walk your dog without discomfort, we are here to help you get back to living your life.
Ready to start your own success story? Contact Sierra Neurosurgery Group today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Woolley or another expert provider on our pain management team.