Chronic back pain can be an overwhelming challenge, disrupting your daily routine and making even simple tasks feel insurmountable. When every day is clouded by persistent pain, finding effective relief becomes a top priority. Traditional treatments like medication and physical therapy can offer temporary relief, but for many, the pain remains. If you’re seeking a long-term solution, a spinal cord stimulator may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a cutting-edge medical device designed to manage chronic pain, particularly in the back. This device is implanted near the spine and sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses interfere with the pain signals before they reach the brain, effectively reducing pain perception. For individuals battling relentless back pain, an SCS can offer significant relief and restore the ability to enjoy life again.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The process begins with a trial period where a temporary spinal cord stimulator is placed to test its effectiveness. During this trial, patients can experience the device’s impact on their pain and decide if it’s the right solution for them. If the trial is successful, a permanent device is implanted under the skin, typically in the lower back. The electrodes are positioned near the spinal cord, and connected to a small pulse generator. Patients can control the intensity and frequency of the electrical pulses using a handheld remote, allowing them to manage their pain on their own terms.
Who is a Candidate for a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
The spinal cord stimulator is ideal for those who suffer from chronic back pain and have not found relief through conventional treatments. Common conditions that can benefit from an SCS include:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): Persistent pain after one or more spinal surgeries.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Chronic pain affecting the limbs.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve pain is often linked to diabetes or other conditions.
- Chronic Leg and Arm Pain: Often due to nerve damage.
Benefits and Risks of a Spinal Stimulator
Top 5 Benefits of a Spinal Stimulator
- Significant Pain Relief
The primary benefit of a spinal cord stimulator is the reduction or elimination of chronic pain, allowing patients to regain their quality of life. - Reduced Dependence on Medications
Many patients can decrease or completely stop their use of pain medications, reducing the risk of dependency and side effects. - Minimally Invasive Procedure
The surgery is typically performed with small incisions, leading to faster recovery times and less postoperative discomfort compared to more invasive surgeries. - Adjustable Pain Control
The device can be programmed and adjusted to provide customized pain relief, ensuring that the level of stimulation is tailored to the patient’s needs. - Reversible Treatment
If the spinal cord stimulator does not provide the desired results, the system can be turned off or removed, unlike more permanent surgical solutions.
Top 5 Risks of a Spinal Stimulator
- Infection
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the incision site or where the device is implanted. - Device Malfunction
The spinal cord stimulator may stop working or fail to provide adequate pain relief, requiring additional surgeries for repair or replacement. - Nerve Damage
There is a small risk of nerve injury during the implantation process, which could lead to new or worsened symptoms like numbness, weakness, or increased pain. - Electrode Migration
The electrodes placed along the spinal cord can shift from their original position, potentially leading to ineffective pain control and requiring further surgery. - Scar Tissue Formation
Scar tissue may develop around the electrodes or the pulse generator, which could interfere with the effectiveness of the stimulator and lead to additional complications.
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Managing Chronic Pain with SpineMed Specialists in Wichita, KS
When preparing for spinal stimulator surgery, a comprehensive process ensures your safety and the procedure’s success. Here’s what you can expect:
Medical Evaluation
Before surgery, a thorough medical evaluation will be conducted to confirm that you’re in good health and ready for the procedure. This evaluation is crucial for identifying any potential risks and ensuring that you are a suitable candidate for the surgery.
Medication Management
It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you’re currently taking, including both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Some of these medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before the surgery. This step helps reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure.
Preoperative Instructions
Our neurosurgeon, Dr. Frimpong, will provide specific preoperative instructions that you must follow to ensure a smooth procedure. These instructions typically include:
- Dietary Restrictions: You should not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before the procedure.
- Smoking Cessation: Refrain from smoking for at least 12 hours before the surgery, as smoking can increase the risk of complications.
- Hygiene: It’s recommended to shower the night before or the morning of your surgery to minimize the risk of infection.
The Surgical Procedure
Anesthesia
On the day of the surgery, you’ll be administered local anesthesia and sedation. This combination will help keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Electrode Placement
The surgery begins with the placement of thin wires, equipped with electrodes, along your spinal cord. These wires are inserted through a needle or a small incision, ensuring minimal disruption to your body.
Pulse Generator Implantation
Next, a small device known as a pulse generator is implanted under the skin, typically in the buttock or hip area. This device will deliver electrical pulses to the electrodes, helping to manage your pain.
Testing and Adjustment
Before completing the surgery, the stimulator is tested to ensure it functions correctly. The surgeon will make any necessary adjustments to optimize the device for effective pain relief.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Hospital Stay
Spinal cord stimulator surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to return home on the same day or within 23 hours of the surgery. This approach minimizes your hospital stay and allows for recovery in the comfort of your own home.
Postoperative Medication Management
After the surgery, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics and pain medications to manage any discomfort and prevent infection. Commonly prescribed medications include narcotics like Oxycodone or Percocet, muscle relaxers such as Robaxin or Flexeril, and steroids like Medrol Dose Pack. In some cases, longer-acting pain medications may be needed.
Device Programming
In the weeks following your surgery, you’ll have follow-up appointments to fine-tune and program the stimulator for optimal pain relief. These appointments are crucial for ensuring that the device is working effectively and providing the desired relief.
Dressings and Wound Care
Initially, a trial spinal cord stimulator will be placed, and the battery will be worn externally, and secured with medical tape for about seven days. Once the trial period is successful, the permanent spinal cord stimulator will be implanted. The incisions will be closed with staples, which will be removed at a later follow-up appointment.
Follow-up Appointments
Approximately three weeks after surgery, you’ll return to the office for staple removal. During this visit, you’ll also meet with the device representative to further optimize the pain relief settings on your spinal cord stimulator.
This process ensures that you receive the best possible care and outcome from your spinal cord stimulator surgery, allowing you to
Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator Right for You?
If chronic pain is controlling your life, a spinal cord stimulator might be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. At SpineMed Specialists, we’re committed to helping you regain your quality of life with advanced treatments tailored to your needs. Our team of experts will work with you to determine if an SCS is the right solution for your pain management.
A spinal cord stimulator offers hope to those who have exhausted other treatment options without success. By blocking pain signals before they reach the brain, this device can dramatically improve your quality of life, helping you return to the activities you love.
To learn more about spinal cord stimulators and whether this innovative treatment is right for you, visit SpineMed Specialists. Take the first step toward a life free from chronic back pain—our specialists are here to help you on your journey to recovery.