Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal Cord Stimulation

What Happens During the Trial Run?

Before the trial period begins, a carefully qualified candidate will first go through a trial period. During this process, instead of having the electronic device implanted into the patient's body, they will have wires extended to their bodies which are attached to an external stimulator. The process itself is similar to the usual therapy and lasts for a seven-day while taking note of the patient's level of pain and discomfort throughout the process. This process begins on the following steps:

Step 1: Anesthesia is applied to the target area. A sedative may also be applied as well.
Step 2: Utilizing a special needle that holds the wiring, the doctor will use x-ray guidance to insert the needle into the spine into a casing called the epidural space.
Step 3: Through communication between both the doctor and patient, the doctor will ensure that the wires are placed in the correct position based on the response of pain the patient feels.

After the trial setup, the patient will have the wiring taped to their body and attached to a small external electronic device, typically attached to a belt. This belt will then be placed on the patient along with a controller for the patient to adjust the stimulation pattern or the exact point it is usually programmed based on the area where the pain is felt. The patient will be monitored for a short period of time before being allowed to go home. During the trial period, the patient is expected to make notes of the stimulation before returning to the doctor.

What Happens During the Procedure

Although similar to the procedure involved in the trial process, there are a few key differences between the trial run and actual device implantation. Overall the key differences in the implanting of the actual generator in place of the device used during the examination however, are as follows:

Step 1: Anesthesia is applied to the target area. A sedative may also be applied as well.
Step 2: Utilizing a special needle that holds the wiring, the doctor will use x-ray guidance to insert the needle into the spine into a casing called the epidural space.
Step 3: Permanent leads are implanted, although depending on the procedure during the trial period, this step might have already been completed. It is based on the effectiveness of the process, a small burr is created in the back of the spine and the wires are implanted into the epidural space leads.
Step 4: Through communication between both the doctor and patient, the doctor will ensure that the wires are placed in the correct position based on the response of pain the patient feels.
Step 5: An incision is made for the generator to be inserted in. The generator itself can vary in size with the largest ones being no bigger than a stopwatch. It is placed underneath the skin in the lower back, upper buttocks, or the abdomen.
Step 6: The generator is connected to the leads. The comfort of a preference will influence where the generator is placed such as choosing a less obtrusive area, and patients can choose to be taken to sleep.
Step 7: The wires are inserted from the leads to the generator and connected, which allows the generator to be turned on.
Step 8: The incision is closed and the recovery process begins.

After surgery, recovery can take about four to five weeks before patients can resume their normal daily activities. It should be noted however, that complete recovery has been reported to sometimes take up to eight weeks, and that physical activity should be limited for a small time to allow the area to heal from the procedure.

Who Is Spinal Cord Stimulation For?

Failed Back Syndrome: If this is used to describe chronic pain after one or more failed surgeries including disc surgery, laminectomy, or spinal fusion.
Arachnoiditis: This is the inflammation or scarring of the protective layers around the spinal cord, also called the meninges.
Chronic Neck Pain: This is pain within the cervical or neck section which can be linked to two or more medical conditions that are associated with pain in the area.
Chronic Back Pain: This is pain within the lumbar or lumbar-back section which can be linked to two or more medical conditions and can be associated with pain in the lower back or legs.

Advantages of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation has become increasingly popular as a means of treatment for back pain and ailments. Below is a list of some of the advantages of spinal cord stimulation:

Spinal cord stimulation is reversible, as the most surgical procedures. Basically, you are able at any time to stop with the therapy. It is possible for them to leave the wiring in place, or to remove it, and there is no damage to the spinal cord or spine.
The procedure allows patients to reduce the use of opioids by managing their chronic back and/or neck pain.
The therapy itself targets part of the cause or other conditions which does not just manage the symptoms for the condition.
The pain relief is adjustable as the hand-held controller allows patients to determine the stimulation and adjust the level of pain relief created at any given moment.
In comparison to other alternatives, spinal cord stimulation is very cost-effective when when compared to more non-surgical solutions available.

Risks, Side Effects, and Disadvantages of Spinal Cord Stimulation