Discover renewed hope in managing chronic pain through Spinal Cord Stimulation at IBS Hospital. This innovative technique offers relief when medications fall short, aiming to improve your daily life. Explore how we harness advanced technology to ease your discomfort and help you embrace a more fulfilling, pain-free journey.
Spinal cord stimulators consist of thin wires (the electrodes) and a small, pacemaker-like battery pack (the generator). The electrodes are placed between the spinal cord and the vertebrae (in the epidural space), while the generator is implanted under the skin, typically near the buttocks or abdomen. Spinal cord stimulators enable patients to send electrical impulses using a remote control whenever they experience pain. Both the remote control and its antenna are external to the body.
Spinal Cord Stimulation is often used when nonsurgical pain treatment options have failed to provide sufficient relief.
Spinal Cord Stimulators may be used to treat or manage various types of chronic pain, including:
Spinal Cord Stimulation can improve overall quality of life and sleep, and reduce the need for pain medications.
As with all treatments, your doctor will want to ensure that spinal cord stimulation is appropriate for you and that it is likely to provide significant relief from your chronic pain.
Each patient is different, but generally, people who benefit the most from spinal cord stimulation are:
Individuals who have not experienced sufficient pain relief with medications, less-invasive therapies, or prior surgeries.
Those who do not have psychiatric disorders that could decrease the effectiveness of the procedure.
Spinal Cord Stimulators come in three main types:
Conventional Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG): This battery-operated spinal cord stimulator has a battery placed in the spine during an operation. When the battery runs out, it must be replaced through another surgery. This device can be a good choice for people with pain in just one body part because it has a lower electrical output.
Rechargeable IPG: This works similarly to the conventional device, but the battery can be recharged without further surgery. Because the energy source is rechargeable, these stimulators can emit more electricity. This may be a better choice for people with pain in the lower back or in one or both legs, as the electrical signal can reach further.
Radiofrequency Stimulator: This stimulator uses a battery thats outside the body. It is rarely used today due to newer designs and better technology. It has rechargeable batteries, and like the rechargeable IPGs, it may be better for people with pain in the lower back and legs because of the device power.
Spinal Cord Stimulators require two procedures for testing and implantation: the Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial and the Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial
Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation
Complications from Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery are rare, but no procedure is completely without risk. A small percentage of patients may experience:
Generally, the pain relief provided by spinal cord stimulators allows patients to do much more than they could before surgery, but there are certain restrictions to be mindful of.
Can I have X-Rays and CT Scans with a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
So long as your spinal cord stimulator is powered off, X-rays and CT scans are generally safe. Before undergoing any scan, always let your doctor, nurse or technician know you have a spinal cord stimulator.
Are Spinal Cord Stimulators MRI compatible?
No, MRIs are not always safe for those with spinal cord stimulation devices. Some newer devices are compatible with certain MRI machine models and scan locations, but your doctor will need to evaluate the specifics of your stimulator first. If your device is not MRI compatible, MRIs can cause serious injury.
Will my Spinal Cord Stimulator set off airport security?
Yes, airport security gates will detect your stimulator, but your physician will give you an identification card that may allow you to bypass the machine. Some people find that airport security gates cause uncomfortable (but harmless) interference with their stimulators. If you cannot avoid passing through the security screener, turn off your device before stepping through.
Can I drive with a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
No, you should power off your stimulator when you're driving or operating heavy machinery, as sudden changes in stimulation levels could cause distraction.
Can I swim with a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Swimming is fine with a permanent, implanted generator, but you cannot get your temporary stimulator wet. You will need to avoid baths and showers during that short trial period.
Meet the team of highly specialised and experienced neurosurgeons, neurologists, orthopedicians, and other experts in the field of neurology and spine care. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised and compassionate care to each patient, with the goal of helping them achieve the best possible outcomes.
We continuously incorporate cutting-edge technologies from around the world into our offerings, such as a surgical system that allows for precise and confident complex procedures. We use magnetic stimulation to treat certain neurological conditions and create personalised brain maps for tailored treatment plans. Nerve monitoring during surgeries ensures the nervous system is not compromised, and a robotic exoskeleton aids in mobility issues. Our goal at IBS Hospital is to provide the best care possible, utilising the latest and most innovative technologies available.