Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain

A spinal cord stimulator, also known as a dorsal column stimulator, is a device surgically placed under your skin to send a mild electric current to your spinal cord (Fig. 1). A small wire carries the current from a pulse generator to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. When turned on, the spinal cord stimulation feels like a mild tingling in the area where the pain is felt.

Your pain is reduced because the electrical current traveling through the spinal cord stimulator implant interrupts the pain signal from reaching your brain. Spinal cord stimulation uses low voltage stimulation to the spine to block the feeling of pain. A small device implanted in the body transmits an electrical current to the spinal cord. It helps patients better manage symptoms and potentially decreases the use of pain medications. It may be an option if you have chronic leg or arm pain and have not found relief with other therapies.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation Implantation

There are various benefits to this implanted device located in the epidural space, especially for those dealing with the repercussions of a failed back surgery. The spinal cord stimulator provides the following advantages when it comes to a patient’s pain:

• No need for pharmacological intervention to block pain signals
• It can be used for neuropathic and ischemic pain relief
• The majority of patients will be able to leave the hospital on the same day as the spinal cord stimulator implantation surgery.
• Provides a long-lasting solution to treat chronic pain

It is important to note that the spinal cord stimulator may not be suitable for everyone, and it is essential to have a spine specialist examine your situation. Suppose other conservatives, non-invasive treatment options like physical therapy do not provide sufficient pain relief. In that case, the spinal cord stimulator implant may be the best way to manage chronic pain.

Potential Complications for Spinal Cord Stimulators

Although complications of this procedure are rare, it is still wise to be aware of the potential issues that may develop following the surgery. These include:

• Heavy bleeding
• Infection developing within the first 2 to 8 weeks
• The movement of the electrodes from their ideal location leads to an inability to block pain effectively
• Damage to the device due to a fall or strenuous physical activity
• Puncture of the dura mater, which surrounds the spinal cord, and this puncture can lead to a leak of cerebrospinal fluid
• Nerve injury or paralysis caused by insertion of the spinal cord stimulator

At New York Spine Specialist, our spine surgeons will discuss the potential risks and consequences associated with the spinal cord stimulator implantation to ensure that you are well aware of everything involved in the process.

Again, these complications are rare, so it is unlikely that you will have to deal with them. When it comes to chronic back or leg pain, this surgical procedure has shown to be very effective in pain reduction. For more information on how this surgical treatment can relieve pain associated with failed back surgery syndrome, contact New York Spine Specialist to book an appointment with our pain physician.

Important Facts about Your Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant

Once you have had the surgical procedure to implant your spinal cord stimulator, there are some important facts to remember about the implant. These include:

• Letting your doctor or nurse know about the implant before any diagnostic scans such as x-rays or MRIs
• The stimulator may be MRI compatible but only with specific MRI machines and scanning locations.
• Your stimulator will set off security gates at places like the airport, and it is recommended that you avoid these scanners if possible. Your doctor will provide you with a medical card to provide to TSA agents.
• Driving with your spinal cord stimulator implant turned on is not recommended since it may cause unwanted distractions.
• Permanent implantation of stimulators allows for swimming, but you should avoid submerging underwater (including baths or showers) during your trial period of the temporary stimulator.
• If your stimulator does not provide you with the best pain relief possible, it can potentially be removed safely by a qualified spine surgeon.

It is important to ensure you pay attention to your physician while he provides you with all the essential information you need to know about your implant. He will also discuss stimulator settings and warning signs to look out for.

Are You Experiencing Severe Pain? We Can Help!

At New York Spine Specialist, our team of surgeons, physicians, and pain specialists have the experience, skills, and training to provide you with pain relief from severe spine conditions with exceptional treatment options, including spinal cord stimulation.

Contact New York Spine Specialist today to find out if the spinal cord stimulator implant is right for you. Our surgical team offers various spinal procedures that can potentially help your condition right away. We accept most insurance plans including no-fault and workers’ compensation. Please give us a call and let us schedule you an appointment with one of our spine specialists today.