The most basic answer is, the Spinal Cord Stimulator sends electric pulses to the electrodes that are placed over the spinal cord that masks the pain signals before the get to the brain. The pain is not completely eliminated, some patients may feel a weird sensation, but the overall goal is to eliminate most of the pain. Usually with a Spinal Cord Stimulator the patient gets about 50-70% of reduction in pain. This is significant enough for you to return to your daily activities and also help the patient ease off of pain medication.
Three Steps to this Procedure
- The Spinal Stimulator turns on by the patient using a device similar to a pacemaker.
- As pain signals travel up the spinal cord to your brain, the spinal cord stimulator device sends a pulse through a thin wire called a lead.
- The lead delivers these pulses to nerves along the spinal cord, these pulses modify the way your body perceives the pain which relieves the intensity of the pain.
What is the process of getting a Spinal Stimulator Surgery?
If you have had issues with back pain for a while and have tried conservative therapy, pain management injections, or a failed back surgery a Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery may be recommended. Since the Spinal Cord Stimulator is a permanent implant, the neurosurgeon would have to do a “trial” that implants the trial stimulator into your back.
If the trial period is a success then you would go back to your neurosurgeon to discuss permanently placing the spinal cord stimulator in your back. The success of the trial spinal cord stimulator depends on how much reduction of pain you receive. If the reduction of pain is greater than 50% then the permanent solution should be considered.
How often do I need to replace the battery in my Spinal Cord Stimulator?
The battery replacement depends on the system your neurosurgeon implants into your back. If the system has a non-rechargeable battery, the batteries need to be replaced every two to five years. If the system has a rechargeable battery the battery can last up to 10 years before needing to be replaced. The rechargeable battery will require less surgery because of how long the battery can last but will require you to recharge the battery everyday.
What are the Results of a Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery?
Overall the Spinal Cord Stimulator has consistent success. Patients that were surveyed on if they still had pain relief after two years after the surgery said that 60% of them still had relief. This means that the Spinal Cord Stimulator has great outcomes and can help patients that have been experiencing back pain even after going through several different treatments.
The Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery has been growing in popularity due to the opioid crisis and is covered by most insurances. If you are suffering from back pain and have tried several things to ease your back pain give Florida Surgery Consultants a call to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified Neurosurgeons. We will explain to you the benefits of having this procedure and how it can help your quality of life. Stop suffering from back pain and call today.
