Sometimes SCS may be chosen over a large, complex spine surgery. You do not want further surgery because of the risks or long recovery.The pain is caused by a correctable problem and should be fixed.You would not benefit from additional surgery.They also typically have had one or more spinal surgeries. Patients selected for SCS usually have had chronic debilitating pain for more than 3 months in the lower back, leg (sciatica), or arm. Because chronic pain also has emotional effects, a psychologist will assess your condition to maximize the probability of a successful outcome. A neurosurgeon, physiatrist, or pain specialist will review all previous treatments and surgeries. Who is a candidate?Īn evaluation of your physical condition, medication regime, and pain history will determine whether your goals of pain management are appropriate for SCS. Your doctor will select the best type of system for you. Some send a sub-perception pulse with no tingling. Other systems have leads that can be independently programmed to cover multiple pain areas. lying down) and adapt the stimulation level to your activity. Some SCS devices are able to sense a change in body position (sitting vs.
BACK STIMULATOR GENERATOR
The pulse generator has programmable settings. Rechargeable battery systems may last 8 to 10 years or longer, but you must remember to charge the system daily. Systems with a non-rechargeable battery need to be surgically replaced every 2 to 5 years, depending on the frequency of use.
BACK STIMULATOR TRIAL
If it doesn't work for you, the trial wires can be removed, leaving no damage to the spinal cord or nerves. For these reasons a trial stimulation allows you to try it for a week. Other people may not get relief over the entire pain area. Some people may find the sensation unpleasant. However, even a small amount of pain reduction can be significant if it helps you perform daily activities and reduces the amount of pain medication you take. The goal for SCS is a 50 to 70% reduction in pain. As a result, the amount of pain relief varies for each person. It simply changes the way the brain perceives it. Stimulation does not eliminate the source of pain. A paresthesia-free setting is an option on most devices. Other SCS devices use high-frequency or burst pulses to mask the pain with no tingling feeling. Some SCS devices use a low-frequency current to replace the pain sensation with a mild tingling feeling called paresthesia. Modified by the pulses, the pain signals are either not perceived or are replaced by a tingling feeling. A stimulator device delivers electric pulses to electrodes placed over the spinal cord. A spinal cord stimulator works by masking pain signals before they reach the brain.
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