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Spinal Cord Stimulator
When all other treatments have failed to give you relief from severe chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation could provide a solution. Double board-certified Munish Loomba, MD, of Advance Comprehensive Pain Care, Inc. implants spinal cord stimulators in suitable patients during a minimally invasive procedure. You then control the electrical impulses that reduce your pain with a remote device. To inquire about a spinal cord stimulator trial, call your nearest office in Moreno Valley, Riverside, or Rancho Cucamonga, California, or book an appointment online today.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Q & A
What is a spinal cord stimulator?
Spinal Cord Stimulator: consists of thin wire electrodes and a small, battery pack (the generator). The electrodes and the vertebrae, and the generator is placed under the skin. This device allows patients to send controlled electrical pulses to areas of pain/ nerves that counter the pain. This device is controlled by the patients themselves.
Why might I need a spinal cord stimulator?
Patients that benefit most from these Spinal Cord Stimulators are those that have not experienced sufficient pain relief with medications or less invasive surgeries. Additionally, this is for patients that do not have any psychological disorders, when approved through a psychological screening, which might decrease the effectiveness of the surgery.
Trial spinal cord stimulator procedures:
The first step is the Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial, where the Surgeon will implant a temporary device for you to test out.
Through specified X-Ray Guidance– Fluoroscopy, the surgeon will insert electrodes in the space between set vertebrae in the spine– located near the site of pain. There will only be one incision in the lower back to the place of the electrodes. The device will then be handed to you.
What happens after the Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedure?
If the trial leads to 50% or greater reduction in pain level, there will be the Permanent Implantation procedure.
Permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedure.
Implantation can take up to 2 hours, and it is typically an outpatient surgery. After local anesthesia administration, Dr. Loomba will then make 2 incisions– the length of a credit card, where the electrodes and generators would be placed and are then connected. The device is then handed to the Patient for further use.
What happens after permanent surgery?
Try not to do any physical twisting or extending motion taht could pull the incisions on the first day. There is dressing applied to the site of the incisions, which can then be altered or removed after a few days. You can continue with lighter physical activity 2 weeks after the surgery.