Spinal Cord Stimulator
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS)?
A spinal cord stimulator, also called a dorsal column stimulator, is a device which stimulates pain-carrying nerves via small electrical wires placed in the “epidural space” just outside the spinal cord, and sometimes we also place leads in the subcutaneous tissues for what is called peripheral stimulation.
Am I a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is offered to patients with chronic and severe neuropathic (pain from damaged nerve tissue) pain. This may be in their extremities, or facial or head pain and some may have severe chronic low-back or neck pain after spine surgery. It is for patients who have not responded to other treatment modalities such as injections or standard analgesics.
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Neuromodulation Explained
West Michigan Pain specialists Girish Juneja, MD and Roman Zolotoy, DO explain more about who is a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation, and how the minimally invasive procedure is helping people live their best life.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the device?
A spinal cord stimulator interrupts nerve conduction along certain types of nerves that predominantly carry pain signals to the brain by stimulating other types of fibres that sense vibration in the body.
How long does the procedure take?
This is a two-stage procedure. The first stage is the trial stage and does not involve any surgery. Through a specialized needle, one or two wires are placed in the epidural space.
These wires are attached to an external generator which the patient controls. The wires may be left in place for up to 5-7 days. During this phase, the patient engages in relatively normal activity and gauges the effectiveness of the device, if they can reduce pain medications, how well their pain is controlled, and if they can do more activity. If it is successful and the patient is satisfied by the degree of pain relief, the second stage involves placing the wires under the skin, tunneling the wires to the location of the battery, and placement of the battery just under the skin. Each procedure can take up to 1-2 hours.
Will the procedure hurt?
All of our procedures begin by injecting a small amount of local anesthetic through a very small needle. It feels like a little pinch and then a slight burning as the local anesthetic starts numbing the skin. After the skin is numb, the procedure needle feels like a bit of pressure at the injection site. If you experience any pain during the procedure, your doctor will inject more local anesthetic as needed.
Will I be “put out” for this procedure?
The placement of the wires is done under local anesthesia with patients mildly sedated enough to make you comfortable. This is necessary to ensure proper placement of the wires. The amount of sedation given generally depends upon the patient tolerance. For the generator placement, patients are given stronger intravenous sedation and sometimes general anesthesia .
How is the procedure performed?
It is done with the patient lying on the stomach when placing the wires as well as for the final placement of the battery. The patients are monitored with EKG, blood pressure cuff and blood oxygen-monitoring device. The skin is cleaned with antiseptic solution and then the procedure is carried out. X-ray (fluoroscopy) is used to guide the needle for wire placement.
Where are the wires inserted? Where is the generator placed?
The wires are inserted in the midline of the back. The generator is implanted under the skin of your buttock or abdomen.
What should I expect after the procedure?
If the procedure is successful, you may feel that your pain may be gone or greatly diminished. You will experience a fairly constant sensation of stimulation in its place. You may have soreness due to the needles used for a day or two.
What should I do after the procedure?
This procedure is an outpatient procedure. You must have a driver to bring you home. We advise the patients to take it easy for at least a day or so after the procedure. Perform the activities as tolerated by you.
How long will the generators last?
The implanted generators are rechargeable and the charging interval depends on the amount of power required by you to feel comfortable. Recharge intervals are typically every 2-4 weeks. The generator has a 5-year guarantee but is expected to last much longer usually more like 7-8 years.
What are the risks and side effects?
Generally speaking, this procedure is safe. However, with any procedure there are risks, side effects, and possibility of complications. Risks are the same as for any epidural injection including infection, bleeding, spinal cord or nerve injury, paraplegia due to epidural hematoma and spinal headache which is due to leakage of fluid from the spinal space – this only lasts a few days usually. All of these potential risks are not common but are possible. Please discuss your concerns with your physician.
Who should not have this procedure?
If you are on a blood-thinning medication (e.g. Coumadin or Plavix), or if you have an active infection going on, your medical provider will need to safely discontinue blood-thinning medications before you may have the procedure.
Where can I get additional information?
The medical staff at West Michigan Pain are able to answer any additional questions you may have regarding the device and procedure.