Stivax Neurostimulator

Treating pain has historically been a very challenging endeavor with the use of prescription pain relievers utilized as a first course of treatment. However, with the looming opioid epidemic, doctors are exploring other alternatives to address chronic pain without the use of potentially-dangerous medication.

In patients for whom alternatives are appropriate, neurostimulation, or stimulation of the nerves using low-frequency electric pulses, can be a compelling option. With Stivax neurostimulator therapy at Infinite Health, we can offer lasting pain reduction without the prolonged use of narcotic prescriptions.

What Is Neurostimulation?

Neurostimulation refers to the process of altering the activity of the nervous system via invasive or non-invasive means to address issues related to pain or paralysis.

Until the advent of minimally-invasive technologies, neurostimulation, particularly for spinal cord injuries, required a surgical procedure. Patients were placed under local or general anesthesia in order to implant a device into the body at the source of pain. This kind of surgery often necessitates a hospital stay, leading many patients to pursue other, more harmful, alternatives due to the stress and cost of surgery.

However, recent innovations have alleviated this burden. In a simple minimally-invasive procedure, patients with chronic pain issues can address symptoms without an implanted neurostimulation device or the use of opiate medications. More comfortable and adaptable, these kinds of devices open doors for patients previously limited to non-ideal solutions.

The Stivax Neurostimulator

The Stivax neurostimulator is an alternative to traditional surgically-implanted neurostimulators. Instead of being implanted into the body at the source of pain, the Stivax device takes advantage of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation, or CES. CES is a mechanism that stimulates the brain via specially placed arrays. Delivered at a level too low to be felt by the patient, normally under four milliamps, the impulses provided by the Stivax neurostimulator are able to stimulate a response in the central nervous system.

The use of the Stivax neurostimulator triggers nerve impulses throughout the body and to the vagus nerve in particular. A neural pathway that plays a key role in regulating a wide range of bodily systems, the vagus nerve is integral to the functioning of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract, among others. Pain relief from neurostimulation is derived from the disruption of pain signals communicated throughout the nervous system from these critical nerves.

The Stivax neurostimulator can be used to address a wide range of conditions, including:

HOW IS STIVAX NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY USED?

A non-invasive device, the Stivax neurostimulator functions via arrays placed behind the ear with a battery pack attached near the collarbone. How the arrays are placed will depend on the pain in question; doctors will determine specific placement before device implementation to target access points to the correct peripheral nerves.

Painless and largely discreet, patients have the option of trying a neurostimulator as an initial treatment rather than a last resort after exhausting other options. The Stivax neurostimulator can be placed at a standard appointment and does not require a visit to the hospital or another outside healthcare facility.

In general, a device is implanted for around 20 days and then switched to the other side of the body. This is normally repeated for three cycles over 60 days, but the course of treatment will vary based on patient needs.

ADVANTAGES OF THE STIVAX NEUROSTIMULATOR

The Stivax neurostimulator provides many advantages to medical practitioners and patients alike, offering an innovative way to address pain at the source. These include:

• More affordable pricing with an increased likelihood of insurance reimbursement
• Non-invasive implementation with no surgical implant or hospital stay
• Opportunity as a first-line defense for pain management without the prior use of prescription medications
• An alternative to opioids, eliminating the unpleasant side effects and risks that accompany narcotic use
• Positive success rates, with one study concluding that 85% of patients saw at least a 50% reduction of pain

For those experiencing acute or chronic pain without relief, or for those who are frustrated with the long-term use of opiate pain relievers, the Stivax neurostimulator can offer amazing opportunities. Affordable, convenient, and easy to use with no pain or long-term ramifications, neurostimulation can provide unparalleled opportunities for those in need.

At Infinite Health, we are pleased to utilize Stivax neurostimulators as a part of our mission to optimize health. After a consultation, our physicians can employ neurostimulation therapy for patients who have been unsuccessful in other forms of pain intervention or who wish to avoid or cease the use of narcotic painkillers. Please contact us today in New Orleans or Lake Charles to schedule an appointment or learn more about our opportunities in pain management.