Innovative Implant Blocks Herniated Disc Pain

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Introduces ‘Transformative Treatment’ For Spinal Pain

People with chronic back and leg pain due to lumbar disc herniations have a new option to reduce their pain should it return after surgery, thanks to a cutting-edge new technology available at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of Mubadala’s healthcare network.

The new treatment, Differential Target Multiplexed Spinal Cord Stimulation, is an advanced form of spinal cord stimulation that can block persistent pain signals related to lumbar disc injuries. It is the latest in a series of pain management innovations the hospital has introduced to support patients who suffer from chronic pain. 

The implant uses electrodes inserted around the injury site to activate both neurons in the spinal cord and, for the first time, glial cells that significantly outnumber neurons. This activation retrains the body to block persistent pain signals caused by the injury. A recent study found an average pain reduction of over 80 percent in patients who received the new form of implant in comparison to the around 50 percent reduction achieved by traditional spinal cord stimulation. 

“Put simply, this technology is transformative for people whose symptoms return following back surgery. Activating glial cells in addition to the neurons in the spinal cord means we can achieve a significant reduction in the pain people experience, enabling them to get back to enjoying their old lives, return to work and live as full a life as possible.” says Dr. Reda Tolba, the Department Chair of the Pain Management Department in the Anesthesiology Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Herniated discs are a common problem across the globe, with up to two percent of people experiencing one in their lifetime. The injuries, that can cause considerable pain and weakness to sufferers, are twice as common among men. They occur when the soft, gelatinous structure between the vertebrae ruptures, causing disc material to protrude, putting pressure on nerves or the spinal cord. The vast majority, or around 95 percent, occur in the lumbar region. Linked to excessive pressure placed on the spine, they are more common among people who exercise regularly or have physically demanding jobs. 

Treatment for herniated discs depends on the severity of the injury and the symptoms each patient experiences. They range from physiotherapy to reduce symptoms and strengthen the muscles around the spine, to surgery to remove the protruding material and eliminate the pressure on the nerve.

“Disc herniations can cause pain and weakness that overwhelms a person and prevents them from living a normal life. While surgery is an important option for many patients who do not see enough improvement from more conservative approaches, a small minority of people will experience a recurrence in their symptoms after some time. In such cases, we are forced to explore other avenues,” explains Dr. Nader Hebela, an orthopedic neurosurgeon at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Traditionally, when surgical treatments fail to reduce symptoms, patients have relied on further surgeries corrective surgeries, pain medication and spinal cord stimulation. The introduction of Differential Target Multiplexed Spinal Cord Stimulation provides patients with a proven option to significantly reduce the pain they experience without opting for further back surgeries or using strong pain medication. 

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Neurological Institute, one of the hospital’s centers of excellence, offers patients a wide range of spinal surgery services. Surgeons tailor their care to a patient’s specific needs, offering multidisciplinary and minimally invasive options aided by CT-guided navigation, and intraoperative monitoring of spinal cord and nerve function. The hospital recently performed its first endoscopic spine surgery to treat a herniated disc, significantly reducing recovery time for patients. 

“If back surgery fails, repeating it is not generally advisable. This new implant gives people a second chance without having to rely on painkillers. Although this is a treatment of last resort, I anticipate that it will change the lives and outlook of the people it helps,” concludes Dr. Tolba

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Interventional Pain Department, part of the hospital’s Anesthesiology Institute offers a wide variety of minimally invasive procedures to help patients suffering from chronic pain. Procedures such as radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal pumps can help patient suffering from chronic pain while reducing the need for pain killers. The department works closely with the hospital’s Neurological Institute to support patients with spinal injuries to manage their pain. 

For more information or to book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223) visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi app.