Are you experiencing severe back pain? Are you looking for the best options to get rid of the pain? A spinal cord stimulator might be an ideal option for you. These devices have a higher success rate and prove helpful for people struggling with different back pain issues. Read further to learn what you can expect from the treatment and if it is effective.
What is the Success Rate of a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator is an effective and promising technique to eliminate several issues, the primary one being severe back pain. The success rate for spinal cord stimulators significantly depends on your condition and the type of device used.
On average, around half of the people who undergo this treatment notice a 50% improvement in their pain. A studysuggests that the long-term success rate of spinal cord surgery ranges from 47% to 74%. The technique’s efficacy is inversely proportional to the time between the growth of chronic pain and the time on spinal cord stimulator implantation. So, if you want to improve the results, you need to opt for this treatment as soon as possible when you develop pain.
Note that the efficacy of the stimulator can also decrease over time for no particular reason. Your healthcare provider can guide you on whether the spinal cord stimulator implant will work for you.
When you consult them for the treatment, they will discuss its success rate for you. They will help you understand the factors that can affect the results. Understanding what you can expect from the procedure in the future will help you decide whether to opt for it.
Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
One of the most common questions regarding the spinal cord stimulator is whether it always works. Unfortunately, no treatment can eliminate back pain completely caused by different health conditions. For example, it’s medically not possible to treat years of arthritis pain, at least till now. But for some specific types of chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation can do wonders and can minimize your pain.
There are several studies performed on spinal cord stimulators and how they can resolve pain. In general, these researches indicate significant improvement in pain levels in people who opt for this treatment. A study done on patients shows that 50% to 80% of people notice a reduction in their back pain.
This spinal cord stimulator procedure can be life-changing for you. People who are not able to work before the treatment can see a great difference after the spinal cord stimulator procedure and start to work easily. Many patients also indicated that they were able to perform different activities and enjoy time with their families.
One of the reasons that a spinal cord stimulator is an ideal option for patients with chronic pain is that you can get a temporary external stimulator. This will help you notice the results and ensure that it relieves your pain before you get a permanent device.
Could you be a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulator?
The ideal candidate for this treatment are patients who suffer from chronic neck or back pain that’s not associated with movement. It also benefits patients who have been suffering from pain due to back surgery.
Additionally, if you are dealing with pain due to any of the following issues, you might benefit from the spinal cord stimulator:
- Sciatica
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Multiple low back surgeries like post-laminectomy syndrome or failed back syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Refractory angina
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Chronic post inguinal hernia repair chronic pain
- Chronic abdominal pain due to abnormal nerve function
Keep in mind that if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, this treatment method may not be a good option for you.
How Long Can You Expect It To Work?
The spinal cord stimulator usually works from a rechargeable battery. The candidate can decide when to recharge based on their daily life. For example, many people try to recharge it while resting or watching TV. When you get the stimulator, you will receive a wireless remote that alerts you if the battery gets low and requires recharging.
You don’t need to worry about recharging, as it’s a simple and easy process. Use a soft cloth belt or adhesive patch to fix the charger on the device. The charger is wireless, lightweight, and small. You might struggle to use it in the beginning. But you get hold of it after some time.
The life span of a quality spinal cord stimulator is between 10 to 25 years. However, it depends on what stresses the device undergoes and how often you recharge your stimulator. Some devices also prevent patients from having MRIs due to electromagnetic interference. Therefore, if you have any specific precautions to consider, keep them in mind to ensure your spinal cord stimulator can last longer.
Can You Live a Healthy, Normal Life with a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
If you undergo the treatment, you must make certain life changes. Based on the position of leads in your spine, you may not be able to twist or bend at certain angles due to the risk of breaking or damaging a lead.
Many people living with the device for years have adapted to their new life. This means they can enjoy activities and routines without fretting about the stimulator. They have learned to live with the stimulator in a way that the device and leads don’t affect them. Your medical expert will help you know what changes you need to make to work on your life.
Bottom Line
If skeptical of spinal cord stimulation, it’s best to go for a spinal cord stimulator trial. At DrRogers, we provide the best quality services and help you understand trial effects to make the right decision.