Spinal Cord Stimulation Trials & Implants

Empowering Lives: Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulators and Their Impact on Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can be a debilitating experience, affecting every aspect of one's life. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have paved the way for innovative solutions, and one such breakthrough is the Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS). In this page, we will explore what a SCS is, its purpose, the conditions it treats, and address some frequently asked questions about the procedure and its functionality.

What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A Spinal Cord Stimulator is a medical device designed to alleviate chronic pain by delivering mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord. This process, known as neurostimulation, disrupts the pain signals traveling to the brain, providing relief to individuals suffering from persistent pain conditions.

How does it work?

The device consists of two main components: the stimulator and the leads. The stimulator is a small, implantable device resembling a pacemaker, while the leads are thin wires connected to the stimulator and placed along the spinal cord. When activated, the stimulator sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord, modifying or blocking pain signals before they reach the brain. This mechanism helps patients manage their pain and improve their overall quality of life.

Conditions Treated:

Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulators are primarily used to treat chronic pain conditions that have not responded well to other conservative treatments. Some of the common conditions include:

  1. Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): A condition characterized by persistent pain following spinal surgery.

  2. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition affecting limbs, often triggered by injury or surgery.

  3. Neuropathic Pain: Pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system.

  4. Ischemic Pain: Pain resulting from inadequate blood supply to tissues.

  5. Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage leading to pain and numbness in the extremities.

Mayo Clinic Podcast on Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial and Implant

Spinal Cord Stimulator Patient Story

Spinal Cord Stimulator Patient Story

Frequently Asked Questions:

Medtronic Overview of Spinal Cord Stimulators

Spinal Cord Stimulator Patient Story

Spinal Cord Stimulator Patient Story

  • Yes, the implantation of a Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulator is considered a safe and well-established procedure. However, like any medical intervention, it carries some risks, which should be discussed thoroughly with a healthcare professional.

  • The battery life varies depending on usage and settings. Generally, it can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years. When the battery runs low, a simple outpatient procedure is performed to replace it.

  • While Spinal Cord Stimulators significantly reduce pain, they may not eliminate it entirely. The goal is to improve the quality of life by providing substantial relief and allowing patients to engage in daily activities more comfortably.

  • Yes, patients have control over the device. It can be turned on or off, and the intensity of the stimulation can be adjusted using a handheld programmer provided by the healthcare provider.

  • Before permanent implantation, patients typically undergo a trial period with a temporary stimulator. This trial usually lasts for about a week, allowing individuals to assess the effectiveness of the device in managing their pain.

  • The implantation is performed under local anesthesia, and patients may experience some discomfort during the procedure. However, healthcare providers take measures to minimize any pain or discomfort.

  • While patients can resume most normal activities, there may be some restrictions on certain movements or activities. It's essential to follow the advice of healthcare professionals to ensure optimal healing and device performance.

  • Yes, the Spinal Cord Stimulator is reversible. If a patient decides to discontinue neurostimulation or if the device malfunctions, it can be removed through a surgical procedure.

Conclusion:

Spinal Cord Stimulators represent a transformative solution for individuals grappling with chronic pain. By leveraging innovative technology, these devices offer a renewed sense of hope and improved quality of life for those who have exhausted other treatment options. If you or a loved one is considering this intervention, consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks tailored to your specific condition. Remember, empowered decisions about health are key to unlocking a brighter, pain-free future.

At APG, we typically use the Medtronic line of spinal cord stimulators. For information on the Medtronic line, please click the button below.

What are the next Steps?

  1. Talk with our Doctor — Dr. Hamed Sadeghipour is happy to consult with you about the procedure. Fill out the form on the left and a member of our medical team will contact you to schedule an initial consultation.

  2. Schedule your consultation or procedure appointment. We offer both in-person and Telehealth consultations.

  3. Schedule your procedure appointment. Fill out the form and we’ll contact you, or simply call our New Patient scheduling department at 888-363-8333 during business hours.

Talk to Beth…

Beth is our Clinical Operations Manager who works directly with Dr. Sadeghipour and has assisted with multiple procedures and is very knowledgable on it. If you’d like to speak to her about Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials and Implants, call her at 618-567-9936. She’s happy to walk you through the process!

Please fill out this form and a member of our medical team will contact you within 24 business hours…

By submitting this form, you agree to receive promotional and transactional messages sent via an autodialer and/or email. This agreement isn't a condition of any purchase. Terms and Privacy Policy can be found here. You may receive up to 5 promotional msgs/mo. Reply STOP to end or HELP for help. You may opt-out at any time.