Chronic pain can deeply impact your daily life, often remaining hidden but constantly felt. Thankfully, modern medical technology offers innovative solutions for managing this pain. One promising treatment is the spinal cord stimulator (SCS), a device that uses mild electrical impulses to ease pain, providing significant relief and enabling a return to daily activities.

This blog will dive into the workings of the spinal cord stimulator, examining how it functions, the necessary precautions post-implantation, and practical tips for recovery.

Discover how a spinal cord stimulator could improve your quality of life by significantly reducing pain, allowing for greater mobility, and a return to activities you love.

Jump to:

• • What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator For?
  • Spinal Cord Stimulator Permanent Restrictions
  • Tips for a Successful Recovery After Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery
  • Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery FAQs

 

What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator For?

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is an implanted device designed to help manage chronic pain by sending low levels of electricity directly into the spinal cord. The main purpose of the SCS is to mask pain signals before they reach the brain, offering relief to individuals whose chronic pain has not responded to other treatments. 

This technology is particularly beneficial for managing conditions like severe spinal cord injuries, chronic back and neck pain, limb pain, and neuropathic pain disorders such as diabetic neuropathy and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

 

Key Components of a Spinal Cord Stimulator:

• Leads– These thin wires are crucial for delivering electrical pulses to specific areas of the spinal cord.
• Pulse Generator– This battery-powered device generates the pulses. It often features rechargeable batteries to enhance long-term efficiency and sustainability.
• Remote Control– This device enables patients to adjust the intensity of the pulses. Adjusting the pulse intensity is essential for optimizing the neuromodulation process, allowing patients to tailor the stimulation according to their pain relief needs.

 

Spinal Cord Stimulator Permanent Restrictions

SCS offers significant benefits in managing chronic pain and while there are no permanent restrictions after spinal cord stimulator implant surgery, it is important to be aware of temporary limitations and lifestyle considerations after the procedure.

 

Temporary Activity Limitations 

• Avoid Water Immersion – To prevent infection, activities such as bathing, swimming, or using hot tubs are prohibited.
• Limit Physical Movements – Bending, twisting, stretching, or jumping should be avoided to ensure the leads and surgical site heal properly.

• Avoid Heavy Lifting – Heavy lifting should be avoided until cleared by a healthcare professional.
• Be Cautious with Electronics – Avoid close proximity to strong magnetic fields, such as those from MRI machines or industrial equipment.
  

 

 Lifestyle Considerations

• Pay Attention to Diet and Nutrition – Having an implant inside your body might affect your health, so it’s essential to focus on a balanced diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while cutting back on processed foods and excess sugar.
• Engage in a Healthy Lifestyle – Adopt a healthy lifestyle by incorporating light exercise, such as walking or yoga, as recommended by your doctor. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and ensure you get enough sleep and rest.
• Carry Your SCS Information – Carry documentation about your SCS when traveling, especially through airports or security checkpoints, as metal detectors might affect the device.
• Learn Device Maintenance – Learn how to care for and operate your SCS, including charging, cleaning, or remote operation.
  

 

Tips for a Successful Recovery After Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery

Recovering from spinal cord stimulator (SCS) surgery is a critical period that generally spans several weeks, with the first two weeks being particularly crucial for healing. Here’s a more detailed timeline and specific tips to help you navigate the recovery process effectively:

 

Two Weeks Post-Surgery:

1. Strict Rest – During these initial two weeks, your primary focus should be on healing. Limit your physical activity to very light tasks. Avoid any strenuous activity that could disturb the surgical site or the positioning of the spinal cord stimulator leads.
2. Pain Management – Adhere closely to your prescribed medication schedule to manage pain effectively. This not only helps with comfort but also with reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
3. Wound Care – Follow your surgeon’s instructions for caring for the surgical site, which may include keeping the area clean and dry to prevent infection.

 

3-6 Weeks Post-Surgery:

1. Gradual Activity Increase – After the first two weeks, if your doctor agrees, start reintroducing more physical activity into your routine. Begin with light walking and gradually include activities that do not involve twisting, bending, or lifting heavy objects.
2. Regular Check-ups – Continue to see your healthcare provider as scheduled. These visits are essential to assess the healing of your surgical site and the function of your SCS device.

 

Long-term Recovery:

1. Return to Regular Routine – From six weeks onwards, you might be able to slowly return to more normal activities, including some that you enjoyed prior to surgery. Always check with your healthcare provider on the types of activities that are safe for you.
2. Monitoring Device Function – Regular follow-ups should continue, possibly including device adjustments. These appointments are crucial to ensure the stimulator settings are optimized for pain management without causing discomfort or side effects.

 

To Sum Up

Living with a spinal cord stimulator means adapting to a new normal where pain management becomes more feasible. Although the device does not impose permanent restrictions, understanding and adhering to the temporary limitations post-surgery is crucial for optimal results. 

If you’re contemplating this step, it’s crucial to engage with experienced neurosurgeons who will not only explain the benefits and intricacies of the SCS but also customize the treatment to fit your specific needs. They’ll provide you with comprehensive information on how to manage your recovery and adapt to life with the device. 

Are you ready to transform your approach to pain management? Discover more about how a spinal cord stimulator can change your life. Fill out our evaluation form  today and start your journey toward a more active and fulfilling life without the burden of unmanaged pain.

 

Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery FAQs

What are the benefits of spinal cord stimulator surgery? 

The primary benefit is significant pain reduction, which can lead to improved mobility, less reliance on pain medications, and a better overall quality of life.

Can I drive with a spinal cord stimulator? 

It is recommended not to have the stimulator turned on while driving or operating heavy machinery. However, being a passenger is generally safe with the device on.

What happens when my spinal cord stimulator malfunctions? 

If a malfunction occurs, symptoms might include loss of pain relief or unusual sensations. Contact your doctor immediately to address the issue. Regular follow-ups and device checks can help mitigate such risks.