Are you planning to get a spinal cord stimulator? Wondering if there are any side effects or complications associated with it? Is it safe? If you have all these things going on in your mind, you’re at the right place.
Spinal cord stimulation is safe and works best for patients dealing with spinal pain. However, it can cause certain issues if the device is installed inappropriately or is of poor quality hardware. Read more to learn about the complications of the procedure and how you can prevent these problems.
What are the Complications or Risks of Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Infection Risks
One of the most severe complications in spinal cord stimulation devices is infection. This risk occurs because spinal cord stimulation surgery involves placing a device inside the body. If you develop an infection where the device is installed on your spinal cord or in the leads that deliver electrical current to the nerves, you might need surgery to completely remove the device.
Leads Malfunctioning or Breaking
The spine is made from a column of interlocking bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae and their related connective tissues (muscles and ligaments) can bend and flex. However, sometimes the stimulator’s hardware and the leads are not flexible enough to bend easily with the spine. In some cases, it can malfunction or even break. In this case, you need to undergo surgery to fix it.
Leads Movement
This complication is rare due to the great advancement in medical procedures and technology. Some special components and devices can prevent spinal cord stimulation lead to moving out of position. However, if you opt for low-quality devices and choose an unreliable health practitioner, your leads can move out of the place and need surgery to remove them from your body.
Injuries from Displaced or Broken Leads
If the device or wire breaks or gets damaged, it can damage your spinal cord and surrounding tissues. In some cases, you can permanently lose the movement of your spinal cord or nerves around it. But there is a low risk of permanent injuries.
Pulse Generator Failure or Malfunction
The spinal cord stimulator function depends on a pulse generator with a specific life expectancy. Typically, pulse generator batteries need to be replaced after some years. Not to mention, the generators themselves can also fail. You’ll have to get them replaced via surgery in case of malfunction or failure.
Other Side Effects
You can also experience issues due to your type of stimulator and the location where it is installed. For instance, some stimulators deliberately cause feelings of numbness or tingling. While you will not feel pain, it can make you feel unpleasant or uncomfortable.
Of course, when you are getting treatment, you should feel comfortable, not irritable. There will be no use of the device if you can’t do your daily activities easily.
How to Eliminate the Risk of Spinal Cord Stimulator Side Effects?
We understand that you might think the spinal cord stimulator procedure does not work. Well, there are unlimited studies that indicate the efficiency of the simulator. One of them shows around 50% to 80% reduction in the back pain of more than 70% of the participants in the research.
Wondering, if it works, then why there are risk of complications? Every type of medical procedure has some extent of risks. But there are always some ways to prevent the side effects and live a normal, healthy life. In the case of spinal cord stimulation, you can eliminate the risk by simply choosing a reliable, qualified, skilled, and experienced health provider who offers quality services.
Highly professional experts use devices, wires, and hardware that won’t cause any risk when they enter your body. They will also choose procedures that are not harmful to your body. Due to having hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge, they also ensure to place the device is in the right place.
Another important thing to remember is that professionals in the field help identify the right candidate for this procedure. If this method doesn’t work for you, they’ll advise you beforehand before putting you through all the misery.
Precautions to Take to Avoid Side Effects
When you consult an expert, they will guide you on the precautions you need to take. And once the procedure is done, they will offer you additional precautions to take to ensure the efficiency and minimize the effect of the spinal cord stimulator implant.
Doctors will also restrict you from some activities, which have three goals. One is to ensure your safety. The second goals are to limit the activities that can impact the wire movement. The third goals are to protect the device inside your body. Your health provider will also make suggestions to care for the device you need to practice to improve its life expectancy. Here are some restrictions that your health expert might give you:
- Turn off the stimulator when you drive to prevent the chances of electrical impulses.
- Do the same while lifting or moving heavy equipment.
- Before you go for any scans like a CT scan, it’s best to tell the professional about your spinal cord stimulator so that they check if it’s safe.
- Carry a card your health provider gives you to pass through the metal detectors and anti-theft devices.
- Avoid involving in activities that can lead to back injuries or cause pressure on the device.
Bottom Line
DrRogers has a team of experts who can ensure the best results with spinal cord stimulators. We suggest you first get a spinal cord stimulator trial to determine its effects on your body. And if you notice any changes, you can get the permanent spinal cord stimulator and live a normal life without any pain. Our experts are always there to assist you in any way possible.