Salus Medical Solutions

What Is A Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Spinal cord stimulation is a form of NEUROSTIMULATION intended for pain relief.

The FDA approved this procedure in 1989. Developments have vastly improved today’s technology, such as enabling a patient to program the stimulating device with software.

A spinal cord stimulator is a tiny programmable generator, with thin soft wires with electrical leads connected to it.

The generator is operated with a handheld remote control.

Spinal cord stimulation surgery works on the premise that small electrical currents block pain signals transmitted to the brain.

Spinal stimulator procedures have many benefits:

It involves a minor surgical procedure;
There are few side effects;
Gives the ability to have a more physically and socially active life;
It enhances quality of life;
It may allow reduction in medications; and
It provides patient-controlled pain relief

Am I a candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Candidates for spinal cord stimulation have chronic and severe pain. Symptoms can be caused by neck and back pain or a failed spine surgery that provided no pain relief. Neck pain with associated arm pain and back pain with associated leg pain respond best to spinal cord stimulation. Limb movement alone must not be responsible for pain. Spinal cord stimulation may also be appropriate for peripheral neuropathy, angina unresponsive to previous conventional procedures and medications, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and chronic abdominal pain from an inguinal hernia repair.

THE PROCEDURE

A trial with a temporary spinal cord stimulator is carried out before permanent implantation takes place. This is standard procedure to determine whether spinal cord stimulation will be successful. A local anesthetic is administered and you
remain conscious for the insertion of the temporary electrical leads through an epidural needle. A generator is not implanted in a trial run but, rather, an external device is attached to the wires.

If the trial successfully reduces your pain and need for pain medications, a permanent spinal cord stimulator is placed under the skin of the abdomen or upper buttocks. A spine surgeon, in conjunction with the patient’s pain location and description, determines its placement. The implanted generator and wires are invisible. The procedure is performed in under three hours.

As with all surgical and medical treatments, there is a possibility of complications. Yoursurgeonwill ensure you fully understand the inherent risks.

SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR SURGERY PREPARATION

A physical and, possibly, a psychological evaluation are conducted first.

The next step is the trial procedure.

Preparation for spinal cord stimulator surgery is simple. Your surgeon will give you complete instructions, which might include directions on which medications are permissible prior to surgery.

You may be asked to stop all aspirin products a few weeks prior to surgery to avoid prolonged bleeding.

SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR SURGERY RECOVERY

You must remain prone in bed for the initial 12 hours.
Pain medications as required will be provided.
There may be swelling and bruising.
Stitches and staples are removed in approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

LIFE AFTER SURGERY

After the initial six to eight weeks, your activities may gradually increase.

Until then, you should refrain from bending, twisting, lifting or stretching.

Driving may be prohibited for up to one month.

Showering is permitted, but immersion of the surgery site must be avoided for the first month.

There will be some adjustments in your lifestyle after you receive a spinal cord stimulator:

The stimulator may activate metal detectors and anti-theft systems may temporarily increase the stimulation.
Operation of heavy equipment is prohibited when the stimulator is turned on.
While household appliances are safe with a stimulator, the stimulator remote control magnet may possibly damage or erase items with magnetic strips if placed too close to the remote control.
Impact sports are generally not permissible.