External versus Internal Electrotherapy Devices For Chronic Pain

Some of the benefits of using external devices for chronic pain control are:

1. Costs - generally the cost is less than 10% of the cost of undergoing surgery and the costs of implantable devices.

2. Less risk of acquired infections one undergoes in surgery. The hospital setting has many infectious agents not found outside hospitals. Many noscomial infections are acquired in the hospital and the patient is in a compromised sitution by the processes of surgery. Air borne contaminants are able to actually enter the circulatory system.

3. Scar tissue results from any invasive procedure and many times that same tissue will further complicate early results. External electrodes do not create scar tissue.

4. Versatility of treatment is available by being able to adjust the electrode placement to the higher sensations of painful stimulus. Most chronic pain patients experience more/less severity of pain in specific areas. The areas are not always the same so with an external device one can adjust to the specifics of the moment.

5. New techniques can be tried as the technology improves. the generic name, TENS, is a therapy using an adjustable range of .5 to 150 pulses of electricity per second and is commonly recognized as efficacious in many studies. With interferential therapy the use of a portable device allows the testing of 8,000 pulses per second rather than the 150. With an external device, Infrex unit, the patient can now try the newer technology without surgery or implants. More versatility for the patient to control their situations since surgery is not necessary.

6. Insurance requirements for implantable devices are far more stringent for internal implants than external trials. Due to costs and efficacy of treatment the external devices are generally viewed as "durable medical equipment" and classified in same designation as wheelchairs, potty seats, walkers, canes etc. Greater accessibility with insuance coverage for the patient.

Hope this post helps on decision making processes by educating on options.

Thanks.