Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Spine Surgery
Candidates for a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
Patients who experience chronic pain and for whom nonsurgical pain treatment options have failed may be candidates for a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant. Some candidates may have even undergone surgery to treat back pain and the surgery was unsuccessful. A Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant may be a treatment option for Arachnoiditis, or inflammation of the arachnoid, Diabetic Neuropathy or other nerve-related pain, Peripheral Vascular Disease, post-surgical pain, heart pain, visceral abdominal pain or other conditions causing discomfort.
A Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant is typically used in conjunction with other methods of treatment, including pain medication, exercise, physical therapy and relaxation methods to improve the patient’s quality of life and sleep.
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant?
A Spinal Cord Stimulator is an implant that emits low-level electricity to the spinal cord to alleviate pain. In the procedure, the device’s electrodes are placed between the spinal cord and the vertebrae and its generator is placed under the skin. Patients can control a remote to activate the stimulator when they feel pain.
There are three main categories of Spinal Cord Stimulators: battery-operated, rechargeable and radiofrequency. A conventional battery-operated implantable pulse generator (IPG) is placed in the spine during surgery and when the battery runs out, another surgery is required. This option is best suited for patients with localized pain, as it emits a lower level of electrical currencies.
A rechargeable IPG differs from a conventional IPG in that it can be recharged without an additional procedure. This version emits a higher level of electricity and can be used to treat lower back and/or leg pain. The electrical signal can reach further from a rechargeable IPG.
Lastly, a radiofrequency stimulator uses a battery that is outside of the body. The batteries of the device are rechargeable and as such, it can also emit higher levels of electricity to treat lower back and leg pain. However, these devices are less commonly used due to advances in technology.
Results of a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Procedure
Most Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant procedures last about one to two hours and patients can leave the surgery center the same day. Patients may experience pain surrounding the incision site and should refrain from stretching, twisting or reaching to maintain the integrity of the sutures. The incision site will be dressed after surgery, which can be removed after about three days. The recovery time for the procedure is usually two to four weeks.
After about two weeks, patients can typically return to normal activity. Lighter activity is recommended prior to two weeks post-op.
The goal of the implant is to improve the patient’s quality of life and range of motion. The implant is intended to provide pain relief through the spinal cord stimulators when activated, allowing the patient to perform more activities than he or she was able to previously.
What are the risks of a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant?
Complications from a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant are uncommon but do include infection and bleeding. The device may migrate from its original location and will not be as effective. Additional surgery may be required to replace the electrodes. An intense fall or physical activity could damage the device.
A dural puncture is also possible, as the electrodes are placed in the epidural space just outside the dura mater. If a needle or electrode pierces the dura mater, it may cause cerebrospinal fluid to leak out. The procedure may also cause spinal cord trauma resulting in nerve injury and paralysis.