Recently, Spinal cord stimulation has gained a lot of popularity in managing chronic pain, especially when nonsurgical or surgical options fail to relieve pain. However, is it safe? What risks and benefits are associated with this procedure? How long can recovery take? Read this article to learn spinal cord stimulation basics to decide whether you should consider this procedure for pain management. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org. to schedule an appointment with us.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Basics
It is an advanced therapeutic approach that involves a small device (pulse generator) implanted under the skin to deliver low-voltage electrical currents directly to the spinal cord, blocking pain signals and providing pain relief. It is used to treat different types of chronic pain, such as:
- Back pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Continued back pain after laminectomy surgery
- Diabetes-related neuropathy
- Pain that originates from nerve malfunctions (neuropathic pain)
These electrical signals either modify or mask pain signals before they reach the brain, effectively relieving the sensation of pain in the targeted areas of the body. Once implanted (with minimal/noninvasive surgery), it can be used for over 40 years in treating chronic back pain. You can personalize it based on your specific pain patterns to ensure a tailored and effective pain management solution.
Before the procedure, you need to undergo extensive imaging, laboratory, and diagnostic tests to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo this procedure. Once you are cleared for the surgery, your doctor gives you instructions about the medications you can take, bathing and grooming, and you need to fast for 8 hours and abstain from liquids for 2 hours before the procedure due to the use of general anesthesia.
Before you receive a permanent spinal cord generator implant, you need to go through a trial phase to ensure that this device is effective in managing pain in your case. During the trial, the surgeon may administer general anesthesia in some situations, but this is less common. They use a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy (the real-time X-ray) that allows the surgeon to see where the lead instruments are. After the sedation, the surgeon makes a small incision in your skin and inserts a special needle through the incision into your back. Once the needle tip reaches the epidural space, they thread the temporary lead into the position and remove the needle, leaving part of the lead outside the skin. Once the leads are in position, the surgeon secures the external end of the lead to your skin and connects it to the pulse generator, also attached to the skin using a suture or skin glue.
Then, they start testing to see whether the stimulator works without closing the surgical opening. These trials usually last between a few days to a few weeks. At the end of the trial, the doctor removes the leads. If the stimulator trial is successful, it helps to decrease at least 50% of pain level. When the trial is successful, most people advance to the next step, the implantation surgery, about a week or two after the trial procedure. In case a percutaneous electrode is not usable, your provider may recommend using a paddle electrode instead, which is a wider electrode that needs additional surgery to make room for it. If a paddle electrode is implanted, you’ll need to stay overnight in the hospital.
During the main procedure, the surgeon gives you general anesthesia and makes an incision over the spine. If your surgeon chooses to place a paddle electrode, they need more space to pass through the muscle tissue for the electrode to fit through. If they place a percutaneous electrode, they won’t need to create that type of space. Once they place the leads, they join the electrodes in place and thread them near the end of the lead under your skin to implant the pulse generator. They create a small, pocket-like space where they can implant the pulse generator.
Where they implant the pulse generator depends on several factors, like whether the generator is above or below belt level on the side it is easiest to reach. They may put it on the opposite side of whichever side is your preference for sleeping. You can reach the skin over the top of the pulse generator to control it, depending on the type of generator you have implanted. Some pulse generators stay constantly active while others need to be turned on and off, which you can do with a remote next to the generator. There are also rechargeable generators, which you can charge by holding a special charging device above or against the skin over the generator. Once your doctor finishes implanting the generator, they use sutures or staples to close the incisions. The process of programming the generator can happen in the operating room, the recovery room after surgery, or both. They can also make adjustments to the programming at follow-up appointments.
After the surgery, most people can go home within one or two days. Your doctor will guide you in taking care of the procedure site and the implant. In most cases, you need to keep the surgical wound clean and change the bandages every 7 to 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks). You may have a follow-up appointment about 10 to 14 days (about 2 weeks) after the surgery, where your provider will remove the staples and stitches. Usually, you can return to normal activity in a few weeks, but before that, avoid bending, twisting, stretching, and lifting heavy types of physical activity. Once your body is healed, you can slowly return to normal activity.
Need help with chronic pain management? Visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!! If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Visit Doral Health & Wellness Pain Relief Department in Brooklyn, to get professional help and guidance on how to manage your problem. Call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get a consultation. If you need help learning coping methods, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Log on to www.doralhw.org. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
