Back pain can be difficult to manage, but one small device can offer big relief.
A spinal cord stimulator is “kind of like a pacemaker for your back,” said Gregory Powell, an M.D. with Memorial Health.
“Wires actually deliver small electric signals to the spinal cord and that actually blocks the pain signals from coming from your legs up into your brain,” Powell said.
The device is placed under the skin in the epidural space. It can be used to treat chronic back pain after surgery, certain types of nerve pain in the legs, nerve pain associated with diabetes and more. Spinal cord stimulators are typically considered after other back pain treatments have not worked.
Patients can choose between rechargeable and non-rechargeable systems. Depending on the option, the device can stay under the skin for up to 10 years, offering long term relief.
Powell said a trial period is an option for patients who may find such commitment intimidating.
“We bring you in and we do what’s called a temporary placement,” he said, “We put the lead wires in, and they just come out through your skin. They get stitched into place and you go home with an external battery device for a week to see if you like it.”
Powell also described the next steps patients take once they decide to get the implant.
“If that works for you, then we pull that out in the office and in a second visit to the operating room, we install the entire device,” he said.
Recovery after implantation typically takes about six weeks. During that time, patients are advised to avoid lifting and limit bending or twisting.
Powell said the devices can also be adjusted over time.
“We are able to use computers to change the stimulation to suit patients’ needs over time,” he said, “But, it is considered a permanent placement where this will be under the skin in most patients for at least 10 years.”
Powell said many patients report meaningful relief.
“We see a pretty good response rate,” he said, “About 80% of patients respond very, very well. Most people that do really well with their trial do real well with permanence as well.”
If you are considering a spinal cord stimulator, talk to your doctor about whether a rechargeable system or a non-rechargeable system is the right fit for you.
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