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Relief of Refractory Back or Leg pain in Kennewick, WA

March 27, 2025

Spinal Cord Stimulation in Kennewick, WA

Low back pain is very common, and it might be surprising to know 80% of adults experience it at some point. It’s actually one of the top reasons why people visit a doctor or miss work.

Sometimes you might know exactly why your back hurts. It could be you lifted something heavy, moved something the wrong way, or stayed in the wrong position for too long. Other times, it can slowly develop over time as we age, and the cause or source can feel like a mystery.

It usually gets better on its own, but when it doesn’t it may be time to talk to your physician about what you can do. Fortunately, no matter the cause of your low back pain, there are many ways you can get relief.

Other types of nerve pain are damaged by disease, trauma, and even medications. This can lead to ongoing pain sensations – even when there isn’t an injury or any obvious source of pain. This is called nerve pain. It often feels like continuous burning, shooting, shock-like and often is associated with abnormal sensations like tingling, numbness, pins-and-needles.

Diabetic Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy or (DPN) is another way you can get leg or foot pain.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) therapy from HFX Nevro, long used to safely and effectively treat chronic pain, is approved for the use with patients suffering from leg or foot pain.

You might be asking yourself “How long is too long?” to grin and bear your pain.

If your pain has impacted your quality of life for longer than 6 months and you’ve tried every option with your primary care provider without success, then it may be time to consult a pain management specialist.

Impacted quality of life can sound like:

Your pain keeps you awake at night
You’re missing work or can’t work like you used to
Walking, standing, or sitting is difficult
Your pain stops you from playing with your kids or grandkids
Basic tasks around the house and running errands is difficult
Your pain prevents you from pursuing your hobbies and doing what you love

Pain management specialists have extensive specialized training to tackle pain issues specifically and are the most qualified source of expertise to evaluate, diagnose, and treat chronic pain. A pain management specialist can provide a diagnosis and work with you to develop a detailed treatment plan specifically designed to alleviate your chronic low back pain.

Meet Dr. Stephen Dechter

Dr. Stephen Dechter is a proud native of the Tri-Cities and is deeply honored to have the opportunity to return home and serve the community. Coming from a long line of educators, he has a profound passion for training the next generation of doctors. You will often find him accompanied by a medical student or two, sharing knowledge and fostering their growth.

Dr. Dechter's expertise in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, combined with Interventional Pain Management, equips him with a unique skill set. This allows him to offer patients alternative solutions beyond just medications or surgery. He takes pride in his ability to step back, view problems from different angles, and introduce fresh perspectives to treatment plans. His primary goals are to provide high-quality patient care, achieve excellent outcomes, reduce pain, restore function, and enhance the quality of life.

He is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with a subspecialty in Pain Medicine. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Dechter completed his fellowship training in Pain Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles/VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. He completed his residency at MetroHealth Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, CA. Additionally, he serves as adjunct faculty at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, where he is the Tri-Cities Regional Dean Liaison and a Master Preceptor.

Dr. Dechter's special emphasis areas include sports medicine, spine and musculoskeletal interventional procedures, regenerative medicine techniques, neuromodulation, and spinal cord stimulation. In his free time, he enjoys staying active through fitness and nutrition, woodworking, spending time outdoors, engaging in medical education, and cherishing moments with his family.

What is HFX Nevro Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) and how can it help?

Simply put, HFX Spinal Cord Stimulation is a nondrug, FDA-approved, treatment option for long-term chronic pain relief. A great n non-opioid, FDA-approved way to manage chronic pain that may be caused by painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

Spinal cord stimulation works by disrupting the pain signals traveling between the spinal cord and the brain.

Patients may be treated with medications, but they are often only partially eﬀective and can result in serious side eﬀects.

Who is HFX for?

You’ve been experiencing pain for more than 6 months
Most of your pain is nerve-related
Your pain is located in your back, trunk, arms, or legs
You still have pain after trying other pain management treatment options

If your pain makes basic tasks around the house difficult, keeps you awake at night, prevents you from pursuing your hobbies, or impacts time spent with your family and friends; HFX can help.

Who is a good candidate for a spinal cord stimulator?

To determine if you’re a candidate for spinal cord stimulation, your physician will look at:

How long you’ve had pain
How much your pain impacts your day-to-day life
The severity of your pain
Your pain characteristics
Previous treatment options you’ve tried and didn’t find relief
What previous surgeries or procedures you’ve had

You could be a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation if:

You have nerve-related pain
Your pain is constant and chronic
Your pain is in your back, trunk, or limbs
You still have pain even after trying other treatment options like surgery, pain medications, or injections

Specific conditions that are often treated well with spinal cord stimulation include painful diabetic neuropathy, pain after back surgery (“Failed Back Surgery Syndrome”), Sciatica, and nerve pain in your arms, legs, feet, hands, back, and buttock.

I’ve tried everything else. Why should I try this?

HFX has been proven to deliver significantly better and longer lasting pain relief from chronic back and leg pain than other SCS systems. It has also proven successful for people who have had surgery or tried other pain therapies.

How will my doctor know if it’s working?

You will be involved every step of the way, giving your doctor feedback and making sure HFX is programmed to meet your needs.

Is HFX covered by insurance?

HFX is covered by nearly all major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates is a Orthopedic multispecialty group with a focus on treating our patient with cutting edge technology or treatment options. Dr. Stephen Dechter, is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), and highly-rated in Pain Management. The difference in his caring shows at your first appointment.

Call us at 509-586-2828 to schedule a consultation with someone who can make a difference in your life today.