Spinal cord stimulators are devices implanted in the body for sending low electricity levels to the spinal cord for relieving pain. These implants have been used by thousands of patients across the globe for decades and their results have been fairly consistent with a few exceptions. Almost every form of treatment out there has its pros and cons and it is the same with spinal cord stimulation.
How do Spinal Cord Stimulators Work?
Spinal cord stimulators contain thin wires also known as electrodes, along with a tiny battery pack, referred to as the generator. These electrodes are strategically placed between the vertebrae and the spinal cord while the generator is attached under the patient’s skin, often close to the abdomen or buttocks.
Spinal cord stimulators help patients send electrical impulses with the help of a remote control whenever they feel pain. While experts don’t completely understand the mechanisms involved in spinal cord stimulation, they are well aware that it targets several muscle groups. These groups are directly targeted from the patient’s spine and can alter the way an individual’s brain perceives pain.
Regular spinal cord stimulators can replace the pain sensation with incredibly light tingling known as paresthesia. While this can be quite effective for most patients, some don’t find it too comfortable. Fortunately, there are newer devices that provide sub perception stimulation and are a viable alternative.
Highly trained and experienced physicians are responsible for placing these devices, making sure the procedure is smooth and is as pain free as possible.
What is the Main Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation
More often than not, spinal cord stimulation is utilized when non surgical options to treat pain (like medicines) do not offer the relief a patient is looking for. Using spinal cord stimulators could help manage or treat a wide variety of chronic pains, which include:
- Perineal pain
- Visceral abdominal pain
- Amputation related pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Spinal cord injuries
- Heart pain
- Inflamed arachnoid
- Post surgery pain
- Back pain, particularly if it continues after a patient undergoes surgery
Do You Need Pain Medication after Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation is capable of improving sleep and quality of life, reducing the need to take pain medication. That said, the spinal cord stimulation treatment is often used with other treatments to manage pain, which include relaxation methods, physical therapy, exercise and medications.
Like with most treatment options out there, your physician will want to ensure that the spinal cord stimulation procedure is suitable for you and can provide a great deal of chronic pain relief. Before recommending you this treatment, your specialist will most likely conduct or order psychological screening and imaging tests.
Insurance companies usually need to make sure that the patient’s anxiety or depression are not making the pain worse, which is why they require psychological screening tests. It is also worth keeping in mind that while every patient tends to be different, the individuals can benefit from spinal cord stimulation the most are:
- Those who didn’t get any pain relief from medications, prior surgeries or less invasive therapies
- Those who don’t have any psychiatric disorders to lower the procedure’s effectiveness
When Medication may be Necessary
Inserting and the spinal cord stimulation implant require invasive surgery. Procedures like these have some complications and risks involved, some of which include bleeding and infection. Generally, the recovery period tends to vary, with some people recovering within a few weeks while others requiring months. In some cases, the pain can become unbearable and may require medication to get things under control.
However, if the surgery goes well and the patient doesn’t experience post surgery pain, there is a good chance that medication may not be needed. That said, it would be best to talk to your physician and ask them whether you would require medication after the device is implanted. Since most patients have different medical histories, their physicians evaluate their case accordingly and prescribe medication if they deem it necessary.
Will You Need Medication Once the Spinal Cord Stimulator is Implanted
In most cases, doctors tend to discharge patients they implanted a spinal cord stimulator in within the same day of the procedure. Once the anesthesia wears off and the patient does not show any signs of pain, they can go home and rest up. That said, the incisions can be quite painful for a few days and your physician may ask you to avoid reaching, twisting or stretching as it could pull the incisions out.
The dressings are usually placed on the incision sites and you can remove them after 3 to 7 days of the surgery. Usually, the incision doesn’t take more than a month to heal. Physicians develop recovery plans for their patients and discuss it with them thoroughly. In some cases, the recovery plan includes certain medications, depending on the level of pain the patient is experiencing. Some patients are also prescribed other medications besides pain relief pills if they have particular conditions.
Besides medications, patients are advised to avoid heavy activity for at least two weeks after the surgery. After your surgeon allows you to resume regular activity, you can turn the stimulator off and return to work just like before. You may still need to take certain medicines post-recovery, but it largely depends on your particular situation and doctor’s advice.
Get a Professional to Check Your Condition
If you are a resident in Los Angeles or its vicinity and are wondering if you will need less medication after spinal cord stimulation implants, we at DrRogers can help. Our experienced surgeons can evaluate your condition and determine if you will require the same amount of medicines after a spinal cord stimulation implant.
Contact us today to speak to one of our team members and Request an appointment to visit our clinic.