Spinal cord stimulators are an incredibly effective form of treatment for back pain. Patients have to go through a minimally invasive procedure to get this device planted, in which there is a thin where placed in the spine. These wires send low intensity electrical currents for disrupting the pain messages that travel from the brain to the spine. Spinal cord stimulators are especially ideal for people with nerve damage or sciatica that causes extreme back pain.
Before getting a long term spinal cord stimulator implanted in your back, doctors often start by placing one on a trial basis to check whether it will work. The device has a battery powered generator and it stays outside of the body during the trial period. If the spinal cord stimulating device proves to be effective in treating symptoms, the doctors then move their patients to the permanent phase.
During this phase, experts plan permanent wires in the spine along with the generator in the upper buttock or lower back. Then, patients receive a remote that gives them control of the stimulator. Once the stimulator is in place, patients can focus on their rehabilitation, which often includes strength building exercises and physical therapy. Your doctor may also offer you guidance regarding how to adapt to the new stimulator and steering clear of issues that may affect it.
If you have a spinal cord stimulator implanted in your back, continue reading this piece to learn about things to avoid to ensure you don’t damage the device or yourself.
What You cannot do with a Spinal Cord Simulator On
Mentioned below are some things doctor advise patients with spinal cord stimulators to steer clear from:
Avoid Staying at Places with Magnetic Fields
In most cases, magnetic fields tend to be unavoidable because they are all around us. Whether it is X-rays, MRIs or anti theft devices, magnetic fields can disrupt the performance of your spinal cord stimulator, rendering it unusable in some conditions.
It would be best to avoid or limit spending time in areas where there are magnetic fields. If your house as any device that emits these fields, consider keeping it as far away from your room as possible to ensure you can use your spinal cord stimulator freely.
Imaging
If you have a spinal cord stimulator in your back, there is a good chance that you will need an X ray or an MRI. It is advisable to steer clear from such imaging devices when you have a stimulator. However, you can get these tests done in a safe and secure manner if you communicate with imaging specialists early on. This will allow the experts to devise a strategy to ensure your stimulator remains protected.
It would also help to know the type of stimulator you are using to see whether it is capable of withstanding X-ray or MRI. In most cases, patients need to switch their stimulators off to protect their device and themselves.
Do Not Travel too much
It is possible that travel personnel and flight attendants ask you to switch off your spinal cord stimulator. This is because the device can cause interference when the pilot is trying to land or take off. If you absolutely need to travel, make sure you have the device’s remote by your side and close it before the plane takes off.
Driving
Operating heavy machinery or driving with a spinal cord stimulator can be quite unsafe. Consider switching the device off, when driving, or better yet, avoid driving altogether and sit in the passenger seat and let someone else take the wheel.
Contact with Water
Showering and swimming are a big no-no if your back has a spinal cord stimulator implanted in it. This is especially true if you have a temporary stimulator. In some cases, however, people with permanent stimulators can dive in the pool without worrying about damaging the device. Before you do so, ask your doctor whether it would be advisable. If you really want to go in the pool, make sure your stimulator is turned off.
Do not Use it around Security Devices
As mentioned earlier, most scanning devices make use of magnetic fields for checking unwanted items. So, before you pass a security device, make sure to inform the person checking about your situation. If you have to pass through the security device, do it quickly with the stimulator switched off.
Other Considerations to Keep in Mind
Avoiding magnetic fields altogether is almost impossible. Therefore, the best thing once can do is remain vigilant of their surroundings. Steer clear from magnetized speakers, generators, power lines and any item that uses magnetic fields. It would also be advisable to maintain a distance from things like anti theft devices and tag activators found in libraries and retail stores.
Household items such as computers, tablets and phones are safe to use. However, make sure you are careful when you use credit cards. This is because the magnets inside the spinal cord stimulator may interfere with the magnetic strip of your card.
Get a Professional to Check Your Condition
There are certain challenges you have to face when you have a stimulator in your back. However, the challenges are a small sacrifice to avoid excessive back pain. If you are a resident in Los Angeles or its vicinity and have any safety concerns regarding your spinal cord stimulation implants, we at DrRogers can help. Our experienced surgeons can evaluate your condition and inform you about the things that you can and cannot do with a spinal cord stimulator.
Contact us today to speak to one of our team members and Request an appointment to visit our clinic.