Spinal Cord  Stimulator FAQs

For questions about your specific pain condition, it’s always best to consult with a pain management specialist. However, if you’re looking for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about spinal cord stimulators, our Interventional Pain Management Specialists have provided their expert answers below.

What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Spinal cord stimulators are surgically-implanted medical devices that deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord to help block or modify pain signals. The device is typically implanted in the lower back and connected to leads that are positioned near the spinal cord. Once implanted, the device can be adjusted and turned on and off by the patient with a remote control.

What Types of Pain Do Spinal Cord Stimulators Treat?

Spinal cord stimulators can be used to successfully manage back, trunk and limb pain, greatly reducing the need for pain medications and surgery. Many chronic pain injuries and conditions can benefit from a spinal cord stimulator, including the following:

• Chronic back, leg and arm pain
• Neuropathic pain, such as peripheral neuropathy
• Post-surgical pain
• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Phantom limb pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Occipital neuralgia
• Chronic migraines

How Does a Spinal Cord Stimulator Work?

During a minimally-invasive procedure, your doctor implants small leads, or neurostimulators, beneath the skin, beside the nerve or nerves responsible for your pain. These leads are attached to a battery that generates electrical pulses that override pain signals traveling to the brain and alter pain perception in the body. You can control the stimulation, adjusting the intensity and targeting different areas of the body, using a remote control.

Most patients undergo a trial period with a temporary, external device to assess the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulator before committing to a permanent implant.

What Do the Electrical Pulses Feel Like?

Traditional spinal cord stimulators produce a gentle tingling or buzzing sensation (paresthesia), while low-frequency spinal cord stimulators use electrical pulses delivered in short bursts, and high-frequency spinal cord stimulators use electrical impulses of 1 kHz and above to reduce pain without tingling.

How Do I Adjust the Electrical Pulses?

The spinal cord stimulator’s settings can be changed using a remote control. Your doctor will initially set your level of stimulation, its frequency and intensity. You can change these as needed, as well as program your stimulator to different levels at different points in the day. Your doctor will walk you through the specific programming procedures and make sure you’re comfortable with the device.

Will I Be Able to Feel the Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Some people report that they can feel the device when they apply light pressure with their fingers. The spinal cord stimulator should not cause pain or discomfort, but a sudden change in position can sometimes cause the sensation of the electrical impulse to intensify. If the electrical pulses become uncomfortable, turn your device off and call your doctor.

Will a Spinal Cord Stimulator Eliminate My Pain Completely?

Spinal cord stimulators help different people in different ways. While some people experience total pain relief, it’s generally considered successful if your pain is reduced by at least 50%. Some people may be able to reduce or eliminate pain medication with a spinal cord stimulator, while others may still need it.

Are Spinal Cord Stimulators Safe?

Spinal cord stimulators are generally considered safe, but there are risks associated with any surgical procedure, including infection at the implant site and damage to the device, typically caused by an injury, intense physical activity, or physical trauma near the implant site.

Other potential, but rare complications include device migration, dural damage leading to severe headaches, nerve damage and paralysis.

Are There Any Restrictions with a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Once you’ve healed from the procedure, you’ll be able to get back to your regular activities, only now with less pain and more mobility. To protect the device from damage and ensure a comfortable level of stimulation, you should avoid activities that lead to excessive pressure in the area of the stimulator and leads. People with traditional or low-frequency spinal cord stimulators are also typically advised not to drive while the device is turned on, since the electrical pulses can be distracting. However, high-frequency spinal cord stimulators are generally considered safe to use while driving.

Depending on the type of spinal cord stimulator you have, you may also need to take precautions when getting an MRI. Likewise, some spinal cord stimulators may be detected by x-ray machines at the airport.

Talk to your doctor about the various options available, and make sure all of your healthcare providers are aware of your specific spinal cord stimulator and its location.

How Long Does a Spinal Cord Stimulator Last?

The lifespan of a spinal cord stimulator depends on the battery type. Devices with non-rechargeable batteries generally need to be surgically replaced every two to five years. Stimulators with rechargeable batteries typically last up to 10 years or more with regular charging.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Only you and your pain management specialist can determine whether a spinal cord stimulator is a good option for you. If your doctor determines you have chronic neuropathic pain and you’ve tried other forms of pain relief with little or no success, a spinal cord stimulator may be the answer.

Schedule a Consult for a Spinal Cord Stimulator in Newport News, VA

To learn more about spinal cord stimulators and whether this a good treatment option for you, schedule a consultation with the Interventional Pain Management Specialists at Orthopaedic & Spine Center in Newport News, VA.

Our team of pain management doctors is dedicated to the identification and treatment of chronic pain disorders, and has created the most comprehensive, holistic program for treating chronic pain in the Hampton Roads Region. Call (757) 596-1900 or request a spinal cord stimulator consult in Newport News, VA.