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Spinal Cord Stimulation

SPINAL CORD STIMULATION

Despite best efforts to relieve individuals of pain either through conservative or surgical measures, some patients experience chronic pain. A spinal cord stimulator is permanently implanted in the spinal canal to provide pain relief.

This procedure attempts to convert the painful sensation to a tingling sensation, which the brain perceives as more desirable. Spinal cord stimulation can be used to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions including failed back surgery syndrome, multi-level degenerative problems, and conditions related to problems with how the body processes pain signals.

Spinal cord stimulation does not change the underlying condition; it simply changes the brain’s perception of pain. There are two parts to this type of surgery. A trial phase in which leads are placed and connected to an external power supply. You will go home for several days to weeks and see how well the device controls your pain.

If this is successful, a permanent system is implanted. If the trial is not successful, an attempt at a second trial with a spinal cord stimulator may be undertaken. If it also fails, the leads will be removed permanently.

What to Expect

Once you have decided to have surgery:

  • A medical examination.
  • Chest X-ray, EKG, and blood work.
  • You may be asked to have a neurological or psychological examination.
  • If taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications daily, stop these medications at least one week before spinal cord stimulator surgery.
  • If you take prescription medications or other drugs, including herbals, ask your doctor how soon before surgery you should stop taking these.
  • Do not have anything to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before spinal cord stimulator surgery.
  • You will check into the hospital the morning of spinal cord stimulator surgery.
  • Prior to surgery, you will be asked to sign permits for surgery, anesthesia, blood, and blood products.

The procedure usually takes at least an hour:

  • You will have received a mild sedative, but need to remain awake during the procedure.
  • After the skin is cleaned, a local anesthetic is used in the operative area.
  • A needle is placed into your back.
  • The wire-like leads are passed through the needle and into the region of the spinal cord.
  • Fluoroscopy, a method used to make images, is used to show the doctor where the leads are.
  • After the leads are placed, the doctor will turn the device on and ask questions about where you are feeling stimulation in relation to where your pain is.
  • The leads will be repositioned and the settings on the electrodes changed until the best possible coverage of your painful areas is achieved.
  • The opposite end of the leads will be connected to an external generator to power the electrodes.

You will be in the recovery room from 1 to 1½ hours:

  • The surgeon will contact your family while you are in recovery.
  • You will usually go home the same day as the procedure.
  • You will have a device to use to turn the unit off and on.
  • It is important to avoid twisting and bending.
  • An appointment will be made with your doctor to discuss your responses to the trial.
  • If the trial is successful, a permanent system will be implanted.
  • A spinal cord stimulator may not relieve all your pain. This is particularly true if you have had multiple previous spine surgeries. However, the goal is to reduce pain so that your quality of life can be significantly improved.

Leaders in Advanced Spine Procedures

To find out whether you would benefit from artificial disc surgery, make an appointment to visit Texas Back Institute in the Dallas, TX, area for an evaluation. We always reserve surgery as a last resort, so we’ll seek to relieve pain first through conservative treatments such as physical therapy and pain management. If severe pain persists and it is determined that you would benefit from surgery, we can help you determine whether artificial disc replacement is right for you.

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