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Title: Nice Issues Guidance on the Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation to Treat Chronic Pain
URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2313DE.htm
Doctor's Guide
October 22, 2008

LONDON -- October 22, 2008 -- The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published final guidance on the use of spinal cord stimulation to treat chronic pain.

The guidance relates specifically to long term pain which is caused by problems of neuropathic or ischaemic origin.

The NICE guidance recommendations include:
· Spinal cord stimulation is recommended as a treatment option for adults with chronic pain of neuropathic origin who:
o continue to experience chronic pain (measuring at least 50 mm on a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale) for at least 6 months despite appropriate conventional medical management, and
o who have had a successful trial of stimulation as part of their assessment as specified (below)
· Spinal cord stimulation should be provided only after an assessment by a multidisciplinary team experienced in chronic pain assessment and management of people with spinal cord stimulation devices
· Spinal cord stimulation is not recommended as a treatment option for adults with chronic pain of ischaemic origin except in the context of research as part of a clinical trial
· People who are currently using spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain of ischaemic origin should have the option to continue treatment until they and their clinicians consider it appropriate to stop.

"Chronic pain has a debilitating effect on people's lives, so this guidance is good news for those whose pain is caused by problems with the body's nervous system," said executive lead for the guidance Gillian Leng, MD, NICE, London, United Kingdom.

'The guidance recommends that spinal cord stimulation should only be provided after assessment by a specialist team who are experienced in managing and providing support to people who receive this treatment. This will help ensure that individuals who may be suitable for spinal cord stimulation have the most appropriate care to help relieve their pain."

SOURCE: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

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