FAQs

Candidates for a spinal cord stimulator typically have long standing pain that has not responded well to other conservative treatment options such as medication or physical therapy. An evaluation by a trained physician can determine if you are a suitable candidate.

During the procedure, thin wires that look like thin fishing strings with electrodes are placed on top of the spinal cord, and a small generator device (IPG) is implanted under the skin. The generator sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord thereby blocking pain signals before they reach the brain.

Spinal cord stimulators can provide significant pain relief and improve quality of life for patients with severe long standing pain, allowing them to reduce dependency on pain medications and can help them perform daily activities more comfortably.

Risks include infection, bleeding, spinal fluid leak, and device malfunction. Your physician should discuss these risks with you in detail before the procedure. The risk of a major complication or death is extremely low on the order of 1 out of 10,000 patients.

The lifespan of a spinal cord stimulator and IPG can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but modern day devices can last for many years with proper care. Some IPGs may require battery replacement every few years if they are not rechargeable, while others have rechargeable batteries that may last longer.

While spinal cord stimulators can significantly reduce pain for most patients, many patients state that they get almost complete relief unlike anything they have tried before.

Recovery times vary with each patient depending on anesthesia needs, however most patients can expect to have some discomfort from the small incision site, and the restrictions on physical activity can be for up to a few weeks after the procedure. Your healthcare provider can provide specific instructions for your recovery.

Patients may need to avoid certain activities that may damage the device, such as heavy lifting or contact sports. Your physician will provide guidance on any necessary lifestyle adjustments based on an individual basis.

A healthcare provider or a trained specialist can help you program and adjust the settings on your spinal cord stimulator using an external programming device. This is a remote control looking like device, They will work with you to fine tune adjustment settings that provide the best pain relief.

While there may be some restrictions on certain activities for some patients, most patients can resume normal activities after the initial recovery period. Your healthcare provider will advise you on any specific limitations based on your individual circumstances and health.

If the spinal cord stimulator does not provide adequate pain relief, your healthcare provider may try other treatment options, such as adjusting the device settings several times, trying different therapy options not tried before, or consider alternative pain management strategies.