Treating Pain with Spinal Cord Stimulators

Spinal cord stimulators, or simply SCS, are used primarily for the purpose of treating and managing chronic pain, especially after other methods of pain management have proved ineffective. Spinal cord stimulators are a minimally invasive device that sends electrical impulses through the spinal cord, affecting the way that pain signals are perceived by the brain, resulting in varying degrees of pain relief. The device usually consists of a pulse generator, which is implanted under the skin, along with electrodes that lie along the spinal cord. The stimulation from the device will aid in masking a portion of the pain signals to the brain.

Spinal cord stimulators may be used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic back pain, complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathic pain, and sciatica. Although spinal cord stimulators can prove to be very effective for some individuals, they may not work for everyone. Additionally, these devices may only be considered once other treatment plans have not worked out.

While there are certain risks associated with spinal cord stimulation–much like any other surgical procedure–the single most common complication is lead migration. Lead migration happens when the implants within the body shift around, causing stimulation to occur in other, unwanted areas of the body. As a result of the shifting, pain signals may not be masked to the same extent as before the migration, which may cause increased feelings of pain to return. While lead migration has a reported complication rate ranging from about 5 – 40%, it can be fixed with an additional, second surgery.

Other possible complications of spinal cord stimulation include infection, device malfunction, pain near the implants, hematoma or seroma formation, nerve damage, and electrical interference. Most of the potential complications can be addressed and managed with proper medical care, and many patients find that the pain-relieving benefits of spinal cord stimulators outweigh the risks. Follow-up appointments are also important in tracking the function and effectiveness of the device, while helping to prevent complications at the same time.

Spinal cord stimulation is not typically painful for the average patient; however, this may be influenced by several factors. Unless there is an exception, a local anesthetic is administered to the surgical site, which numbs the lower back region. Incisions are then made, but pain is not usually perceived due to the anesthetic. Although the procedure may not cause pain while under anesthesia, some people may experience discomfort or pain after the procedure. To prevent this, patients should avoid stretching, reaching, and twisting until the incisions have healed. Pain from the incisions may last for a few days after the procedure and will typically heal in about 2 – 4 weeks. It’s critical that you adhere to the recovery regimen your doctor has prescribed, which may limit your physical activity for two weeks.

A good candidate for spinal cord stimulation should be somebody who experiences chronic pain, typically for at least 6 months on end, and hasn’t found adequate relief from other pain management treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and pain management injections. Good candidates will also tend to have a condition that responds well to spinal cord stimulation, like failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or sciatica. Before receiving a permanent implant, patients may undergo a trial, using a temporary spinal cord stimulator device. If the patient experiences pain relief from the temporary device, it is a big indicator that they may react well to the permanent one too. Good candidates should also not have any conditions that may contradict the SCS procedure. For example, individuals with spinal deformities, specific infections, or certain conditions may have a lower rate of success with spinal cord stimulators. Potential candidates should also go into the procedure with reasonable expectations, meaning they understand that sometimes spinal cord stimulators may be super effective, and other times they may not be. A thorough evaluation of the patient may be made by a pain management specialist or a neurosurgeon, which can help determine whether a spinal cord stimulator is right for that person. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Orlando FL, Conway FL, Edgewood FL, Jensen Beach FL, Ocean Breeze FL, Rio FL, Palm Bay FL, Melbourne FL, Atlantis FL, Palm Springs FL, Boynton Beach FL, Fort Pierce FL, White City FL, St Lucie FL, Plantation FL, Pine Island Ridge FL, Lauderhill FL, Winter Park FL, Bertha FL, Alafaya FL and surrounding areas.