A surgically implanted device that sends low levels of electricity directly into the spinal cord to relieve pain, is known as spinal cord stimulator. Spinal cord stimulators consist of two parts, the electrodes which are thin wires, and a pacemaker-like battery pack which is the generator. The electrodes are assigned between the spinal cord and vertebrae under x-ray or ultrasound, and the generator is placed under the skin around the buttocks or abdominal region. When turned on, the electrodes carry electrical current from the battery generator to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. The aim of implanting the spinal cord stimulator is to replace the sensation signals of pain with a light tingling sensation before they reach the brain. This mild tingling feeling is known as paresthesia. The stimulator does not eliminate the pain but changes the way the brain perceives it. Patients can use a remote control (placed outside the body) to send electrical impulses through the wires into the spinal cord when they feel pain.
The three main types of spinal cord stimulators are:
- Conventional implantable pulse generator (IPG)– Battery operated spinal cord stimulator. Battery is placed in the spine during operation. Battery should be replaced with another surgery when it runs out. Recommended for people with pain in just one body part since it has a lower electrical output.
- Rechargeable IPG– functions like the conventional device. However, the battery can be recharged without the need of another surgery. Recharging the battery allows the wire stimulators to release more electricity. This device is a better choice for patients who experience pain in the lower back or in one or both legs.
- Radiofrequency stimulator– battery placed outside the body. This stimulator also has rechargeable batteries like the rechargeable IPG. However, it is rarely used today because of newer technology and designs.
Patients will benefit from spinal cord stimulators if medications or non-surgical treatment procedures fail to respond and relieve sufficient pain. Patients who suffer from chronic pain and abuse opioid medications can benefit from this treatment and reduce their medication intake. Several types of chronic pain conditions may be managed or treated using spinal cord stimulators. Studies have shown that the stimulators often provide relief to patients suffering from chronic back pain, whether its directly or indirectly caused by other medical conditions. Some of the pain symptoms and conditions include:
- Back pain
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Post-surgical pain
- Arachnoiditis
- Untreatable heart pain
- Injuries to the spinal cord
- Nerve related pain -neuropathy
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Pain after an amputation
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Visceral abdominal and perineal pain
It is very rare to face complications after the surgical procedure, but most procedures carry some type of risk. Some surgical complications patients may experience include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Device migration- electrodes (wires) move from their location.
- Device damage
- Dural puncture
- Spinal cord trauma- extremely rare
Disclaimer
The contents contained within this page are not a substitute for health professionals’ advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise that you seek advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner. We fully disclose that any surgical or invasive procedures come with risks. PCC can help arrange further discussions–please discuss this with us.