Neuromodulation is a cutting-edge medical technology that can help manage chronic pain. It works by sending mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which interrupt pain signals before they can reach the brain. This can provide significant pain relief and improve quality of life for people with a variety of chronic pain conditions.
Spinal cord stimulation uses a small, implanted device, similar to a pacemaker, to deliver these electrical pulses. The device is implanted under the skin, usually in the back or abdomen, and is connected to thin, insulated wires called leads. The leads are placed in the epidural space, which is the area around the spinal cord.
You can control the stimulation with a handheld remote, allowing you to adjust the level of pain relief to your specific needs and activities. Many patients experience a gentle tingling sensation instead of pain, while others feel nothing at all.
Spinal cord stimulation is a safe, effective, and reversible treatment option for many types of chronic pain. It has been approved by the FDA since 1989 and has helped thousands of people find relief from their pain.
Conditions Treated
Spinal cord stimulation is used to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions, especially those caused by nerve damage. Some of the conditions that may be helped by this treatment include:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): This is a condition where a patient continues to have pain after one or more back surgeries.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that usually affects an arm or a leg.
- Neuropathic Pain: Pain caused by damage to the nerves. This can be caused by a variety of conditions, including diabetes, chemotherapy, and radiation.
- Chronic Back and Neck Pain: Persistent pain in the back and neck, with or without pain in the arms or legs.
- Arachnoiditis: Inflammation of the arachnoid, a membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
- Phantom Limb Pain: Pain that feels like it’s coming from a body part that’s no longer there.
It’s important to note that spinal cord stimulation is not a cure for these conditions, but it can provide significant pain relief and help you to be more active and enjoy a better quality of life.
The Procedure
The spinal cord stimulator procedure is typically done in two stages: a trial stage and a permanent implantation.
The Trial Stage
The trial stage allows you to “test drive” the spinal cord stimulator to see if it’s right for you. This is a minimally invasive procedure that is usually done on an outpatient basis.
- Before the Procedure: You’ll be given instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. This may include stopping certain medications and not eating or drinking for a period of time before the procedure. You’ll also need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
- During the Procedure: You’ll lie face down on a special table. The area will be numbed with a local anesthetic, and you may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. The doctor will use X-ray guidance to insert the leads into the epidural space. You’ll be awake during the procedure so you can provide feedback to the doctor to ensure the leads are placed in the best possible location for pain relief. The leads are then connected to an external stimulator that you’ll wear on a belt for the duration of the trial.
- After the Procedure: You’ll be able to go home the same day. You’ll be given instructions on how to care for the incision site and how to use the external stimulator. The trial period usually lasts for about a week. During this time, you’ll be encouraged to go about your daily activities to see how well the stimulator relieves your pain.
Permanent Implantation
If the trial is successful and you experience significant pain relief, you may be a candidate for a permanent implant. This is a minor surgical procedure that is usually done on an outpatient basis, although your doctor may recommend an overnight stay in the hospital.
- Before the Procedure: You’ll be given instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, similar to the trial stage.
- During the Procedure: The procedure is similar to the trial, but instead of an external stimulator, a small, implantable pulse generator (IPG) will be placed under your skin, usually in the buttocks or abdomen. The leads will be connected to the IPG, and the incisions will be closed.
- After the Procedure: You’ll be taken to a recovery room to allow the anesthesia to wear off. You’ll be given instructions on how to care for the incision sites and how to use the handheld remote to control the stimulator.
What to Expect
Recovery
Recovery from the permanent implant procedure usually takes a few weeks. You’ll need to limit your activities, such as lifting, bending, and twisting, for a period of time to allow the leads to heal in place. You may experience some pain and swelling at the incision sites, but this can be managed with medication.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. You’ll have follow-up appointments to check on your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the stimulator.
Life with a Spinal Cord Stimulator
Once you’ve recovered from the procedure, you’ll be able to resume your normal activities. The spinal cord stimulator is designed to be a part of your life, not to limit it. You’ll be able to control the stimulation with a handheld remote, so you can adjust the level of pain relief to your specific needs.
Many people with spinal cord stimulators are able to reduce or even eliminate their use of pain medication. They’re also able to be more active and enjoy a better quality of life.
Risks
Spinal cord stimulation is a safe and effective treatment, but like any medical procedure, there are some risks. These include:
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the incision sites.
- Bleeding: There is a small risk of bleeding at the incision sites.
- Lead Migration: The leads may move from their original position, which can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Device Problems: The device may malfunction or break.
- Nerve Damage: In rare cases, there may be damage to the nerves or spinal cord.
It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of spinal cord stimulation with your doctor to determine if it’s the right treatment for you.
If you’re living with chronic pain and haven’t found relief with other treatments, spinal cord stimulation may be an option. Contact California Pacific Orthopaedics today to schedule a consultation and learn more about this life-changing treatment. Our team of experienced specialists is here to help you find the relief you deserve.
