What is the procedure for spinal cord stimulator?

The electrodes are placed between the spinal cord and the vertebrae (the epidural space), and the generator is placed under the skin, usually near the buttocks or abdomen. Spinal cord stimulators allow patients to send the electrical impulses using a remote control when they feel pain.

How long does it take to recover from a spinal cord stimulator?

If you need to have your spinal cord stimulator removed, the spinal cord stimulator removal recovery time is generally brief. It should take between two to four weeks for complete healing, but as with all medical procedures this varies from patient to patient.

Do they put you to sleep for a spinal cord stimulator?

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and you will be asleep during the surgery. Using X-ray guidance, a needle is placed so that the stimulator electrodes may be guided into the appropriate position in the spinal canal.

What can you not do with a spinal cord stimulator?

After the device is implanted, you need to avoid bending, lifting, twisting, and stretching to give the body time to heal. You can do light exercise, like walking. In fact, walking with help build physical strength for overall good health.

What can’t you do with a spinal cord stimulator?

Is a spinal cord stimulator worth it?

With traditional low-frequency therapy, about 50% to 60% of those using spinal cord stimulation reach that goal, but studies have shown more than 80% experience significant pain relief when using newer, high-frequency therapy.

What are the side effects of a spinal cord stimulator?

ADVERSE EVENTS May include: undesirable change in stimulation (uncomfortable, jolting or shocking); hematoma, epidural hemorrhage, paralysis, seroma, infection, erosion, device malfunction or migration, pain at implant site, loss of pain relief, and other surgical risks.

Are spinal cord stimulators worth the risk?

A 2016 study looking at different stimulation systems found “significant evidence” that they were “a safe, clinical and cost-effective treatment for many chronic pain conditions.” But Zuckerman noted that the more extensive studies came after the devices were being widely used on people.