This comprehensive guide from Texas Spine Clinic offers hope and a potential solution for those suffering from chronic neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain, a condition caused by nerve damage or dysfunction, affects millions and can arise from various factors such as diabetes, chemotherapy, surgery, and infections. This e-book delves into the causes, symptoms, and traditional treatment options for this often-debilitating condition. A key focus of this guide is Scrambler Therapy, a groundbreaking, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment for neuropathic pain. Learn about this FDA-approved therapy that works by sending non-pain signals to the brain, effectively "scrambling" and replacing the chronic pain messages. The guide explains how Scrambler Therapy has been successfully used to treat a variety of conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), cancer pain, and phantom limb pain. Discover the benefits of this innovative treatment, which can provide quick and long-lasting relief with minimal to no side effects. The ebook also features information about the experienced medical team at Texas Spine Clinic, including Dr. Kevin Barton and Dr. Joshua C. Huffman, who are dedicated to helping patients find relief and improve their quality of life. If you or a loved one are struggling with neuropathic pain, this guide provides valuable insights into a promising treatment that could change your life.
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO NEUROPATHIC PAIN AND SCRAMBLER THERAPY
Table of Contents
Introduction Section 1
03
Understanding Neuropathic Pain Section 2 Section 3 Treatment options for Neuropathic Pain Section 4 Scrambler Therapy: A New Approach to Pain Relief About Texas Spine Clinic Articles/Research on Scrambler Therapy Section 6 Section 5 Common Questions and Answers: Section 8 Section 7
04
05
08
11
12
15
17
Conclusion
texasspineclinic.com
Page 02
Introduction Section 1
We are committed to providing inno- vative and effective treatment options to help our patients find relief. Scrambler Therapy is a groundbreak- ing treatment that offers new hope for people suffering from various neuropathic pain conditions. This e-book will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of neuropathic pain and how Scrambler Therapy can help. We will explore the causes and symptoms of neuropathic pain, discuss the mechanism of action of Scrambler Therapy, and share pa- tient success stories.
The impact of neuropathic pain on individuals and society is substantial, leading to decreased quality of life, disability, and economic burden. At Texas Spine Clinic, we understand the chal- lenges faced by those living with neuropathic pain. dysfunction, affects millions of people worldwide. It can result from various factors, including diabetes, trauma, infections, and certain medical treatments. Neuropathic pain, a chronic condi- tion caused by nerve damage or
texasspineclinic.com
Page 03
Understanding Neuropathic Pain Section 2
Neuropathic pain arises from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system, leading to abnormal pain signals. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal for injury, neuropathic pain persists even after the initial injury has healed.
Various conditions can cause neuropathic pain, including: • Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels. • Postherpetic neuralgia: Persistent pain after shingles, a viral infection affecting the nerves. • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) A chronic pain condition affecting a limb, often after an injury. • Cancer pain: Pain caused by tumors pressing on nerves or by cancer treatments. • Post-surgical pain: Pain that persists after surgery, often due to nerve damage. • Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): Nerve damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. • Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy with no identi- fiable cause. This means that after extensive investigation, doctors cannot find a specific reason for the nerve damage. • Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS): Persistent or recurrent pain after back surgery. • Bone metastases pain: Pain caused by cancer spreading to the bones. • Phantom Limb Pain: Pain that persists in an arm or leg following amputation.
texasspineclinic.com
Page 04
Symptoms of neuropathic pain vary depending on the underlying cause and the affected nerves. Common symptoms include: The impact of neuropathic pain can be significant, affecting physical and emotional well-being. It can lead to: • Burning or shooting pain • Tingling or numbness • Electric shock-like sensations • Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature • Allodynia (pain from stimuli that are not normally painful)
The treatment of neuropathic pain often requires a multimodal approach, com- bining different therapies to address the complex nature of the condition. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause, the severity of pain, and individual patient factors. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Section 3 • Difficulty sleeping • Decreased mobility and function • Depression and anxiety • Social isolation • Reduced quality of life
texasspineclinic.com
Page 05
Medications
Several medications are used to manage neuropathic pain, including:
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): These medications can help relieve nerve pain, even in people who don't have depression. • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These medications can also help relieve nerve pain and may be preferred over TCAs due to fewer side effects. • Anticonvulsants: Certain anticonvulsant medications, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, are effective in treating nerve pain. • Topical medications: Creams or patches containing lidocaine or capsaicin can provide localized pain relief.
Therapies
Non-pharmacological therapies can also play an important role in managing neuropathic pain: • Physical therapy: Exercises, stretches, and manual therapies can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, reducing pain and improving function. • Occupational therapy: This therapy focuses on adapting daily activities and improving functional abilities, helping patients manage their pain and live more independently. • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help patients develop coping strategies for managing chronic pain and its impact on their emotional well-being. • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): TENS involves applying electrical stimulation to the skin to modulate pain signals.
texasspineclinic.com
Page 06
Interventional Procedures
In some cases, interventional procedures may be considered to provide more targeted pain relief: • Nerve blocks: Injecting local anesthetics or steroids near the affected nerves can temporarily block pain signals. • Spinal cord stimulation: Implanting a device that delivers electri- cal stimulation to the spinal cord can help modulate pain signals. • Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of nerve compression or damage.
Scrambler Therapy
Scrambler Therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that has shown promising results in treating various neuropathic pain conditions. It works by "scrambling" the abnormal pain messages, replacing them with non-painful sensations.
texasspineclinic.com
Page 07
Section 4
Scrambler Therapy: A New Approach to Pain Relief Scrambler Therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses electrical signals to modulate pain perception. It involves the application of electrodes to the skin, which deliver precisely calibrated electrical signals to the brain. These signals "scramble" the abnormal pain messages, replacing them with non-painful sensations. The FDA approved Scrambler Therapy in 2009 for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Since then, it has been adopted by leading medical institutions across the United States, including Johns Hopkins University, Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson, UCLA, and the Cleve- land Clinic. During a Scrambler Therapy session, patients typically experience a tingling or vibrating sensation in the treated area. The treatment is generally well-tolerat- ed, with minimal side effects. Scrambler Therapy has shown promising results in treating various neuropathic pain conditions, including: • Peripheral neuropathy (diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, etc.) • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) • Cancer pain
• Post-surgical pain • Endometriosis pain • Phantom Limb Pain
texasspineclinic.com
Page 08
These waveforms are calibrated to synchro- nize with surface receptors on C-fibers, which are nerve fibers responsible for trans- mitting pain signals. By modifying the sensi- tivity of these receptors, Scrambler Therapy aims to convert endogenous pain informa- tion into synthetic "non-pain" information. Over time, the new “non-pain” information is recognized by the brain as the new default signal rather than the pain. This process of teaching the brain new informa- tion is known as neuroplasticity and works just like teaching your brain a new language. A “non-painful” one! The device generates 256 types of dynami- cally assembled and modulated strings of information using 16 different synthetic action potentials. These action potentials are designed to mimic the natural electrical signals of the nervous system, but they are modified to convey non-painful information.
Mechanism of Action
Scrambler Therapy's mecha- nism of action is based on the concept of "information control". It works by trans- mitting "scrambled" artificial waveforms generated by the Scrambler Device that are assembled into dynamic strings of information.
texasspineclinic.com
Page 09
The Scrambler Therapy device has four main variables that it modifies dynamically:
The electrical stimulation intensity of Scrambler Therapy ranges from 10 to 70, but the average amperage does not exceed 5.5 mA even at the highest setting. This is much lower than the intensity used in conventional TENS therapy (30-150 mA). • 16 different synthetic action potentials: These are the building blocks of the "scrambled" information. • Packet frequency (43-52 Hz): This refers to the frequency at which the packets of action potentials are delivered. • Packet time duration (0.7-10 seconds): This is the duration of each packet of action potentials. • Amplitude of modulation: This refers to the variation in the strength of the electrical signals.
Benefits of Scrambler Therapy Section 4
Scrambler Therapy offers several advantages over other treatment options for neuropathic pain: • Quick Relief: During the first session, most patients will feel a dramatic reduction in pain, most of the time near complete relief of their pain. • Non-invasive: No incisions or injections are required. • Drug-free: Avoids the potential side effects and risks of medications. • Safe and effective: Well-tolerated with minimal and likely zero side effects. • Personalized treatment: Tailored to each patient's specific needs. • Potential to reduce or eliminate the need for medications: Provides long lasting relief and sometimes full remission.
texasspineclinic.com
Page 10
Articles/Research on Scrambler Therapy Section 5
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management Go to Article
Pain Physician Go to Article
NEJM Review Article - Scrambler Therapy Go to Article
Journal of Palliative Care CIPN Go to Article
Optimizing Neuropathic Pain Relief With Scrambler Therapy Go to Article
Journal of Clinical Medicine Go to Article
Journal of the Pancreas Go to Article
Medicine Go to Article
Integrative Cancer Therapies Go to Article
Supportive Cancer Care Go to Article
Case Reports in Pediatrics Go to Article
texasspineclinic.com
Page 11
About Texas Spine Clinic Section 6
Texas Spine Clinic is a leading pro- vider of comprehensive pain care, including the treatment of neuropath- ic pain. Our team of experienced medical professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care and inno- vative treatment options to help our patients achieve optimal health and well-being.
We offer a multidisciplinary approach to pain management, combining the expertise of chiropractors, Pain Man- agement physicians, and nurse prac- titioners. Our goal is to provide com- prehensive care that addresses the underlying causes of pain and helps our patients regain their quality of life.
texasspineclinic.com
Page 12
About Dr. Barton
Dr. Kevin Barton was born in Corpus Christi, TX and grew up in the Houston area. He is a graduate of Texas Chiropractic College where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic and Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. Dr. Barton has twenty years’ experience in chiropractic care within a multi-disciplined outpatient clinic offering a wide range of services including Interventional Pain Management and Vascular & Interventional Radiology. He is passionate about helping patients live their best life through using advanced techniques to get them back to good health and function without surgery. In his spare time, Dr. Barton is a professional pilot and flight instructor accumulating over 6000 hours in various airplanes and helicopters. He loves traveling the world with his wife and three children.
His career is centered on helping patients with challenging pain syn- dromes find relief and restore their quality of life through non-invasive approaches, avoiding the need for surgery whenever possible.
texasspineclinic.com
Page 13
About Dr. Huffman
Dr. Joshua C. Huffman received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, TX. He completed his internship at Moody Health Center in Pasadena, TX with a rotation at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX. He has advanced training in myofascial release technique and is certified as a designated doctor for the State of Texas. In 2008, Dr. Huffman joined the Texas Spine Clinic team and his dedication to quality patient care sets him apart. His passion for healthcare is what drives every patient visit. He is a native of Texas and was born and raised in Matagorda County.
When not getting patients well, Dr. Huffman enjoys hunting, fishing, kayaking and hiking with his wife, Kendra and their two children, Titus and Alley.
texasspineclinic.com
Page 14
Common Questions and Answers: Section 7
Q: What is the difference between Scrambler Therapy and TENS?
A: While both Scrambler Therapy and TENS use electrical stimulation, they differ in several key aspects: • Mechanism of action: TENS primarily targets A β fibers to block pain signals, while Scrambler Therapy targets C fibers to modify pain perception. • Waveforms: TENS uses simple, repetitive waveforms, whereas Scrambler Therapy uses complex, dynamically changing waveforms that mimic the body's natural electrical signals. • Duration of effect: TENS typically provides pain relief only while the device is active, while Scrambler Therapy can provide long-lasting relief, often months, or even years after the treatment sessions.
Q: How many treatments are typically needed?
A: The average treatment course consists of 10 sessions over two weeks, but the exact number may vary depending on the individual's condition and response to treatment.
Q: Does Scrambler Therapy hurt?
A: Most patients find Scrambler Therapy comfortable and describe the sensation as a tingling or vibration. The intensity of the stimulation is adjusted to ensure it remains comfortable.
texasspineclinic.com
Page 15
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Scrambler Therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. The most common side effect is mild skin irritation at the electrode site.
Q: Who should not receive Scrambler Therapy?
A: Scrambler Therapy is contraindicated in patients with: • Implanted pacemakers • Uncontrolled epilepsy • Spinal cord or peripheral nerve stimulators
Q: How effective is Scrambler Therapy?
A: Clinical studies have shown that 85-90% of patients experience signifi- cant pain relief and improved mobility after a series of Scrambler Therapy treatments.
Q: How long can I expect pain relief to last after completing Scrambler Therapy?
A: The duration of pain relief varies from person to person, but many patients experience relief for months, or even years after completing treatment. Many patients will go into complete remission indefinitely. If the pain returns, retreatment can be considered and normally only takes 1-3 sessions to restore relief.
texasspineclinic.com
Page 16
Section 8 Conclusion
We can help you find relief. Neuropathic pain can be a debilitating condition, but there is hope for relief. Scrambler Therapy is a groundbreaking treatment that offers a non-invasive, drug-free solution for various neuropathic pain conditions. If you are suffering from neuropathic pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our specialists at Texas Spine Clinic. We will evaluate your condition and determine if Scrambler Therapy is the right treatment option for you. Don't let neuropathic pain control your life. Contact us today to learn more about Scrambler Therapy and how we can help you find relief.
Book Consultation
texasspineclinic.com
Page 17
Book Your Consultation Today
3212 Napier Park, San Antonio, TX 78231
Phone:
210-485-7060
Hours:
Mon – Thurs 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: Scrambler Therapy appointments only
Stay up to date on social media
texasspineclinic.com
Page 18
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease