Pittsburgh Review

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) neurosurgeon Dr. Nestor D. Tomycz has reached a significant milestone by performing his 1,000th paddle lead spinal cord stimulation (SCS) procedure. This achievement highlights AHN's dedication to advancing chronic pain management.

The SCS procedure involves inserting a thin, paddle-shaped electrical lead into the spinal column to deliver targeted pulses that disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. AHN has been offering this treatment since 2013, and Dr. Tomycz's milestone was achieved in December 2024.

"Reaching my 1,000th paddle lead spinal cord stimulation case is not just a personal milestone, it’s a reflection of the remarkable progress we’ve made in the field of neuromodulation at AHN," said Dr. Tomycz. He emphasized that chronic pain can be debilitating and often leaves patients with limited options beyond medication or invasive surgeries.

Spinal cord stimulation offers a minimally invasive alternative for managing chronic pain, particularly for those who have not found relief through other treatments or are unsuitable for traditional surgical interventions. The device consists of an electrode placed on the spinal cord and connected to a generator implanted beneath the skin.

Dr. Tomycz explained that many patients come to AHN after trying multiple treatments without success. "We also have a lot of elderly patients, people with scoliosis and spinal deformities that may be too frail to undergo large spinal surgeries — that's when something less invasive like stimulation can be performed," he said.

The field of spinal cord stimulation is expanding with next-generation devices featuring advanced technologies such as more targeted stimulation patterns and improved lead designs for better coverage and personalized pain relief.

For Alexander McLellan, a patient from Pittsburgh, SCS has been transformative. After two decades of chronic pain following back surgeries and a car accident, McLellan was dependent on opioids until he met Dr. Tomycz. "I had been on opioids for over 20 years... but nothing gave me lasting relief," McLellan shared about his experience before undergoing SCS in February 2024.

McLellan reported nearly complete pain relief during his trial period and was able to discontinue opioid use entirely after receiving the permanent implant. "I can’t tell you how amazing it is to be off opioids after so many years," he stated.

AHN employs a comprehensive approach to chronic pain treatment involving collaboration among surgical, pain management, physical therapy, and psychology specialists. This multidisciplinary strategy addresses various dimensions of chronic pain while considering patients' overall well-being.

Leah R. Flaherty, PsyD, Clinical Director at AHN Empowered Relief Program, partners with the Neuroscience Institute to help patients manage their pain using psychological techniques aimed at decreasing pain intensity.

"As we learn more about how the brain processes pain... we're helping patients 'retrain' their brains using psychological techniques," said Dr. Flaherty.

The process begins with a trial period where temporary leads are placed near the spinal cord so patients can experience SCS benefits before committing to permanent implantation if successful in reducing at least 50% of their pain levels within about one week.

"SCS offers options for various chronic conditions including failed back surgery syndrome... diabetic neuropathy... chemotherapy-induced nerve damage..." noted Justin Davanzo MD., an AHN neurosurgeon specializing in neurocritical care & advanced therapies."

Dr.Tomycz highlighted how important exploring alternative solutions like SCS has become amidst ongoing opioid crisis concerns: “Spinal cord stimulation allows us help regain control lives without dangers long-term use supports systemwide commitment mitigating over-prescription misuse.”

For further information regarding SCS or chronic treatment available through Allegheny Health Network contact (412) DOCTORS (412)362-8677