Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
A spinal cord stimulator implant is made of small wires called electrodes and a battery pack called a generator. Electrodes are placed between the vertebra and spinal cord in the epidural space while the generator is placed under the skin near the stomach or buttocks.
Spinal cord stimulators can be used to send electrical impulses through a remote when a patient experiences pain. The antenna and remote control are not inserted into the body.
Most people who choose spinal cord stimulation do so after several other nonsurgical pain treatment options have failed to alleviate their pain. A spinal cord stimulator can be used to manage or treat many types of chronic pain, such as:
- Arachnoiditis, a painful inflammation of the membrane over the spinal cord and brain
- Back pain, especially after surgery
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Heart pain that can’t be treated in other manners
- Pain following an amputation
- Pain related to the nerves such as cancer-related or diabetic neuropathy
- Perineal and visceral abdominal pain
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Post-surgical pain
- Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord stimulation can improve sleep and overall quality of life. It may also reduce the need to take pain medications. It will often be used with other pain management solutions, such as relaxation methods, physical therapy, exercise, and medications.
A physician will help you decide if spinal cord stimulation is right for your chronic pain. This often starts with ordering psychological screening and imaging tests. All people are different but some will more commonly see benefits from spinal cord stimulation than others.
The first group is comprised of those who have not experienced enough pain relief through medications and non-invasive treatments or surgeries. The second group includes those who do not have a psychiatric disorder that would limit how effective the procedure will be.
Before you have spinal cord stimulator surgery, a trial period will occur. A temporary device will be implanted so you can test it yourself. Using fluoroscopy, the surgeon will insert electrodes into the space near the spine. The area where you have pain will determine the positioning of the electrodes.
In most cases, the trial requires a single incision at your lower back to place the electrodes. A battery or generator will be outside the body, often on a belt, and worn around your waist.
Over the course of a week, you’ll determine how well your pain is reduced by the device. This is considered successful if you feel a 50% or more reduction in pain. However, if the treatment is unsuccessful, the electrodes can be removed. Otherwise, surgery will be scheduled for permanent implantation.
At Modern Pain Consultants, we know that every patient is unique. The treatment that works for you might not work for the next person. Thankfully, with a spinal cord stimulator implant, you can try the therapy before implantation is done. This gives you the control to decide whether the procedure is right for you. Reach out to us if you have any questions.