Spinal Cord Stimulators

What are spinal cord stimulators?

These are devices which are surgically placed inside the skin which will send mild electric current to spinal cord to decrease pain signals.

Which patients require this?

Patients with low back pain resistant to other therapies, sciatica, CRPS, post surgery back pain, peripheral vascular disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury.

What is the procedure?

The procedure is done in two steps. In the first step the trial of the device  is done in which the patient is taken into operation theatre and under local anaesthesia,spinal cord stimulators are put in correct position by identifying on fluoroscopy . If there is 50 percent reduction in pain with spinal cord stimulators after 2-3 days then plan for permanent placements of device is planned. The device consist of leads which are placed in the epidural space. A wire connects it to generator. Generator is placed inside the skin pocket.

Will this device give permanent?

Permanent pain relief is not guaranteed but it gives long term pain relief in resistant cases. This device does not eliminate the cause of pain but only stops the pain signals from being transmitted.

What are the post procedure recommendations?

All the do’s and don’t sexplainedd by the doctor has to be followed.