Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement

WHAT IS IT?

The spinal cord stimulator is an electrical device used to cover up pain. It is implanted into the back and best suited for nerve-generated pain from trauma or injury. Before the stimulator is placed, the patient must first undergo a trial to make sure the spinal cord stimulation is a suitable method for them. The trial is an outpatient procedure utilizing a mild sedative and local anesthesia. A needle is placed into the epidural space and a long catheter with multiple electrical leads is placed through the needle and into the middle region of the spine, called the thoracic region. The stimulator can also be placed in the neck if the patient is experiencing nerve-generated arm pain. The patient is given a few days to decide if stimulation is effective. For the length of the trial, the patient wears a battery pack that is connected to the catheter on his or her belt. If the trial is successful, meaning the patient has high levels of pain control and is not bothered by the tingling sensation that the stimulator can create, the physician will surgically implant the stimulator. A sedative is used but the patient must be aware to report if they can feel the stimulation. A small battery is placed in the right or left buttock, or sometimes the abdomen. The surgery lasts about 1-2 hours. Batteries are usually rechargeable and last about 9 years before they need to be replaced.

WHO IS IT FOR? 

The spinal cord stimulator works best for patients with nerve-generated pain as opposed to pain from arthritis or discs and muscles. Often psychological evaluation is required by the insurance company.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Complications may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage and spinal headache.