A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device that eliminates chronic pain. The simulator is responsible for treating a wide range of pain types and those associated with different types of sources and conditions. Although there are disadvantages and possible complications, spinal cord stimulation can help relieve the pain that has not responded to other treatments.
Every type of medical treatment has its drawbacks and advantages. But you can reduce the risks by assessing your body’s needs and abilities to ensure the treatment works for you. Therefore, reaching out to trustworthy and reliable professionals is the best way to get successful treatment. But before looking for the experts and undergoing the procedure, let’s learn what you can expect after getting the procedure.
Advantages of Spinal Cord Stimulator
When you decide to opt for the treatment, you will receive a device for a trial run before experts permanently implant the device in your body. During this period, the spinal cord stimulator stays outside of your body.
You can test the device for a few days or weeks to see if it is helping your pain. And if you don’t experience any significant difference in your pain, you will not go through the procedure of implanting a permanent device. Experts recommend device implantation only when it helps relieve 50% of your pain during testing.
Although we use the term permanent, this device can easily be removed at any time. This is one of the most significant advantages of the procedure. It’s reversible whenever you decide you don’t need it. A spinal cord stimulator implant is a minimally invasive procedure and occurs in an outpatient setting, requiring no recovery time and allowing you to go home on the same day.
Hence, the procedure will not require you to take extended leaves from work to stay at the hospital. Since your doctor will safely implant the device under your skin, you can participate in every activity, such as swimming, running, or house chores, without worrying about affecting the device.
People who undergo this procedure generally no longer have to rely on pain medications and back pain-relieving therapies. This saves you money and the frustration you experience relying on things. Patients can also control the level of stimulation they receive at home based on the pain and discomfort level, making it a customizable type of treatment.
Here are a few more benefits you will gain after this procedure.
-
Increase mobility and activity
-
Less dependence on bracing
-
Offers a comfortable life
-
Improve sleep
Some Research Backing Up the Effectiveness of the Treatment
A study shows high-frequency devices can reduce about 54% to 87% of the pain. More than 60% of participants in this survey were able to completely eliminate or reduce pain after getting the stimulator.
Some studies also give strong evidence that spinal cord stimulator is an effective and promising treatment for chronic pain due to failed lower back surgery. These surveys also indicate that spinal cord stimulation has resolved the pain of patients who have seen no impact of other conservative treatments.
In a 2022 study, experts found that this procedure is associated with improved function, pain, and opioid consumption. If you want to learn whether spinal cord stimulation will work for you, experienced professionals in the industry can help you in this case. They will thoroughly assess your condition and look for the causes of your back pain before suggesting this device.
Risks of Spinal Cord Stimulator
During the implantation, there is the risk of bleeding, pain, or infection at the surgery site. These issues can result in paralysis and nerve damage.
In some patients, scar tissues build up over the device or just right above the electrode present at the end of the lead. These blocks the device’s electrical impulses from reaching it are to your spinal cord. Additionally, incorrectly implanting the stimulator can shift or move the lead in the future, sending stimulation to the wrong target. In some cases, the neurostimulator can also shift beneath the skin, making it challenging to charge the battery or causing slight pain.
There is also a small risk of the breakage of lead or malfunctioning of the simulator. If this happens, you will need to get it replaced. While there are many potential risks for the procedure, you can avoid them by choosing a quality device and credible and popular clinic that help you prevent risks.
Best Candidates for Spinal Cord Stimulation
The spinal cord stimulator procedure will work for patients with different types of pain when non-invasive treatment has failed. This stimulation therapy has shown results in patients with complex regional pain syndrome.
The device requires follow-ups, wound management, reprogramming, and wireless recharging. You must fulfill these commitments if you want to benefit from this procedure. Your chosen team of experts may perform a psychological evaluation before implanting a stimulator in your body. This is because untreated or diagnosed psychological disorders can cause poor outcomes.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, a spinal cord stimulator can help you relieve pain and improve the quality of your life. However, it’s essential to choose an expert who can test your abilities to understand whether you can deal with the implant in your body.
Also, using the proper techniques and modern procedures is essential to avoid the mentioned risk. This can only happen if you contact skilled and experienced professionals in the industry. Our professionals at DrRogers are qualified and fully trained and have the equipment to perform a successful spinal cord stimulation process.
Our team will evaluate your health conditions to determine the level of effectiveness of this therapy. We offer tips, insights, and better planning to help you get satisfied before you undergo the procedure.
If you are still skeptical about spinal cord stimulators, contact us to get a detailed consultation from our experts. We will love to help you in any way we can and help you live a healthy and happy life.