Spinal cord stimulation is a cutting-edge technology that helps people overcome chronic pain problems in the spine. It’s a viable option when you’re living with chronic pain that doesn’t resolve after trying conservative measures and even surgery.
But spinal cord stimulation isn’t something to take lightly—it’s still a surgical procedure in which a device is left inside the body to control pain. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after the procedure helps you decide if it’s the right option for your needs.
Dr. Jordi Kellogg and his team at Kellogg Brain and Spine offer various spine treatments, including spinal cord stimulation. Dr. Kellogg is an experienced and esteemed neurosurgeon who provides both conservative treatments and surgical interventions for back and neck pain.
Understanding spinal cord stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced treatment option for people with chronic neck or back pain and neuropathy. The stimulator is an implantable device that blocks pain signals from reaching the brain with a small electrical current.
A spinal cord stimulator has two main parts: the leads, or wires, that sit in the epidural space and the pulse generator, or battery. The pulse generator powers the device and sends electrical currents to the leads.
The leads have small electrodes that transmit the electrical current to the nerves around the spinal cord. The current blocks pain signals from reaching the brain by confusing the nerve fibers. The result is decreased pain and a better quality of life.
Different types of spinal cord stimulators exist, depending on what you need them to address. Low-frequency stimulation allows you to feel tingling during stimulation, which may or may not be uncomfortable.
High-frequency stimulation emits higher-frequency electrical currents, which you typically can’t feel. Most patients prefer this type of stimulation because it delivers pain relief without the discomfort of tingling in the arms or legs.
Preparing for the permanent device
If Dr. Kellogg determines a spinal cord stimulator is a good option for your needs, you will need to complete several steps before undergoing surgery for the permanent device. Wearing a trial stimulator is the first step in determining if spinal cord stimulation is for you.
The trial is an outpatient procedure to determine how much pain relief the spinal cord stimulator provides. Dr. Kellogg uses minimally invasive techniques and advanced X-ray imaging to place the leads in the area of the spine that’s causing pain.
He places the lead and secures it to a pulse generator outside your body. You’ll wear the pulse generator and lead for a few days to a few weeks to determine its effectiveness. A positive outcome of the trial is at least a 50% reduction in pain.
Expectations during spinal cord stimulator surgery
The permanent procedure is outpatient for most people unless they have serious health issues. You can typically go home on the day of surgery to recover. Depending on the type of stimulator you get, you may be under twilight anesthesia or be entirely asleep for the procedure.
You will lie on your stomach for the procedure so that Dr. Kellogg can access your spine. He uses fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray imaging, to find the place in the spine where your trial stimulator was. He then uses a spinal needle to pierce the skin to direct the lead into the epidural space.
Once the lead is in the spinal canal, Dr. Kellogg tests it to ensure it stimulates the correct nerves if you have a low-frequency device. You’ll be semi-alert during the test to ensure you’re getting pain relief where you need it. A high-frequency stimulator doesn’t require testing or for you to be awake.
Dr. Kellogg then secures the lead with an anchor and suture to ensure it doesn’t move out of the correct spot in the spine. He then uses a device to push the lead through the soft tissues to the buttocks or abdomen, where he will place the pulse generator.
He then makes an incision and places the pulse generator under the skin. Dr. Kellogg connects the lead to the pulse generator and secures it. He then closes the incisions with sutures or staples.
After the procedure, we take you into the post-anesthesia care unit to recover. The spinal cord stimulator representative shows you how to reduce pain using the remote and device.
Many people get a lot of pain-free years from a spinal cord stimulator. You may need to repeat procedures to replace the lead or battery down the road if they are no longer working.
Call Kellogg Brain and Spine today to schedule a spinal cord stimulator consultation, or request an appointment on this website.