Spinal Cord Stimulator: The nerves are responsible for transferring pain signals from different parts of the body to the brain. When any parts of your body get injured, irritated, or have a problem, the nerves around the affected area transfer pain signals from the affected part to your brain to inform the brain that something is wrong. You will immediately start to feel pain when the pain signals get to your brain.
Spinal cord stimulation is a procedure used to mask pain signals before getting to the brain. It involves implanting a small device, known as a stimulator that delivers electrical pulses in your spinal cord. The stimulator uses a low-frequency current to replace the pain signals and make the pain signal start to give a mild tingling soothing feeling.
This procedure doesn’t eliminate the source of the pain. It only interferes with the pain signals and changes the way the brain perceives the pain signals.
Before the device is permanently implanted, a trial stimulation is first performed to determine if the patient experiences pain relief. A trial stimulation is required because not everyone will experience pain relief from this procedure. Some patients may not experience any pain relief while some may even find the sensation very unpleasant. If a patient experiences pain relief from the trial stimulation, the device will then be implanted permanently but if the patient doesn’t experience any pain relief, the device will not be implanted.
During a spinal cord stimulator trial, you will first be given a local anesthetic to numb the skin and deeper tissues. A small incision will be made on your skin. X-ray guidance will be used to place the stimulator in the right position. The stimulator will be placed temporarily. An external device will be used to transfer electrical current to the stimulator.
If you experience pain relief as much as 50%, it means the procedure is working. This means that the stimulator will be permanently placed. If you don’t experience any pain relief or you find the sensation very uncomfortable, it means the treatment didn’t work. The stimulator will not be permanently implanted.
Spinal cord stimulation is considered a safe procedure. A trial stimulation is first performed to know if you are a good candidate for the treatment and to check for any side effects. If there are any adverse reactions or side effects, the treatment will be immediately stopped.
The success of spinal cord stimulation depends on the success of the trial stimulation. The treatment is considered successful if a patient experiences pain relief that is up to 50% or more.
Studies of spinal cord stimulation have shown good to excellent lasting pain relief in 50% to 80% of patients with chronic pain. Many patients have experienced significant improvements after undergoing the treatment and were able to return to their daily activities.
The cost of a spinal cord stimulator varies depending on the location and provider. The average cost for the initial implantation of a stimulator is over $20,000. Medicare patients spend about $32,882 while Blue Cross Blue Shield patients spend about $57,896 for the procedure. Maintenance treatments are required and these cost between $5,000 and $22,000.
Neurosurgeons and doctors who specialize in pain management such as anesthesiologists or physiatrists can perform spinal cord stimulation
You are not allowed to shower, bathe, or swim with a trial stimulator device. You can swim, bathe, or shower only after your incision is completely healed after having a permanent stimulator implanted.
Before the procedure, you will first be given general anesthesia to make you unconscious throughout the procedure. The effect of the anesthesia will begin to wear off after the procedure is completed. When the effect of the anesthesia wears off, you will begin to feel pain.
Some stimulators have non-rechargeable batteries. The batteries last for a very long time. These batteries need to be surgically replaced every 2 to 5 years. There are also stimulators with rechargeable batteries. These batteries need to be charged daily.
Apex Interventional Pain & Spine Center is a reputable medical Center in Coppell, Texas that specializes in providing a variety of pain treatments and procedures.
We provide many different pain treatments and procedures including spinal cord stimulation to help people with their pain.
We specialize in providing pain treatments to ensure that patients experience total relief from pain that may be hindering them from going about their daily activities. Whether you’re suffering from acute or chronic pain, we are the right clinic to visit.
We are the number one provider of spinal cord stimulation in the whole of Coppell, Texas.
Contact us today or book an appointment. You can also give us a call at 972-833-7256.
