The appropriate use of neurostimulation of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system for the treatment of chronic pain and ischemic diseases: the Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee. 4.Deer TR, Mekhail N, Provenzano D, et al.Retrospective review of 707 cases of spinal cord stimulation: indications and complications. 3.Mekhail NA, Mathews M, Nageeb F, Guirguis M, Mekhail MN, Cheng J.Effectiveness of cervical spinal cord stimulation for the management of chronic pain. 2.Deer TR, Skaribas IM, Haider N, et al.Novel 10-kHz High-frequency Therapy (HF10 Therapy) Is Superior to Traditional Low-frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Back and Leg Pain: The SENZA-RCT Randomized Controlled Trial. See Chronic Pain As a Disease: Why Does It Still Hurt? References Learning as much as possible about spinal cord therapy can help a person decide on the best option to ease chronic pain in the back, neck, or limbs. It is a different experience compared with painkillers or other pain control techniques. Relieving pain with spinal cord stimulation has some drawbacks.
Some people find the implanted generator irritating or uncomfortable. See Important Considerations for an MRI Scan
Skin irritation may develop near the generator related to charging. Strong interference, such as from a defibrillator or MRI (if the spinal cord stimulation device is not MRI-safe), can damage the generator, leading to severe burns, other serious injury, or death. Scuba diving more than 10 meters below the surface should be avoided, and the doctor should be consulted before entering a hyperbaric chamber. Those using spinal cord stimulation should not take part in activities that add pressure to the body. People using this therapy need to continue working with others on their health care team. Spinal cord stimulation interferes with pain signals sent to the brain, but does not treat the underlying condition. The device should be turned off and the doctor contacted if this occurs. Unwanted changes in stimulation may include a jolting or shocking feeling. Less serious disadvantages of spinal cord stimulation devices include: While many generators can be recharged and used for years, if a new generator is needed, another surgery will be needed to remove and replace it. Medication may be needed to control the pain.
The recovery period is generally six to eight weeks, with some people experiencing intense pain for several days or more following either the trial period or permanent implantation of the spinal cord stimulation devices. As with any such procedure, there are certain risks and potential complications, such as an infection and bleeding. Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Neck Pain Videoīoth the trial period and insertion of most permanent spinal cord stimulation devices involve an implant and surgery.Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Back Pain Video.Spinal Cord Stimulation: The Trial Periodĭisadvantages and Risks of Spinal Cord Stimulation.Who May Benefit from Spinal Cord Stimulation.Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Back and Neck Pain.Serious adverse events, such as a hemorrhage in the epidural space or neurological damage caused by an injury to the nerve root or spinal cord-including paralysis-are not common. See Scar Tissue and Pain After Back Surgeryĭevice-related issues are more common than physical problems. The same study that looked at device-related problems also found that 12% of participants experienced pain at the site of the implanted generator right after surgery and 4.5% developed infections. While complications related to the implanted devices are relatively common, they appear to be declining with advances in technology and surgeons’ skills. 3 The most common complications were unintended movement (also called migration) of the leads, failed connections in leads, and breakage of leads. One extensive study in the medical literature found 38% of the research participants had device-related problems.
Spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve field stimulation are considered generally safe, with the potential risks mainly related to the surgical procedures required for a trial period or long-term therapy.