Life of Spinal Cord Stimulator: What You Should Know
Your spinal cord is a long, thin nerve that runs backward from the brain. It passes information between your brain and other parts of your body. If you suffer from chronic pain, neuromodulation is a treatment option that your pain management doctor may recommend.
This emerging therapy involves placing small devices from spinal cord stimulators (SCs) near your spinal cord. SCS sends electrical signals to nerves in the spinal cord, which blocks pain signals from reaching the brain.
Read on to learn all the information you need about SCS, including the different types of devices available, how the implant procedures work, and expectations regarding postoperative care and recovery.
What is a spinal cord stimulator?
The spinal cord stimulator consists of thin wires (electrodes) and a small battery pack (generator). Place the electrode between the spinal cord and vertebrae in the epidural space. Generators are usually located under the skin, usually near the hips or abdomen. The stimulator sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. Spinal cord stimulators treat chronic pain that does not respond to other treatments, such as medications or physical therapy.
Here is how the process works:
First, a small device called a test stimulator is implanted into the epidural space. Test Stimulators Test whether the spinal cord stimulator can effectively relieve your pain. If the test stimulator successfully relieves your pain, a permanent spinal cord stimulator can be implanted.
The permanent spinal cord stimulator is similar to the test stimulator, but has a larger characteristic. Permanent stimulators can be programmed to provide different levels of electrical stimulation according to your needs.
Patients with multiple sclerosis, degenerative disc disease, and post-clinic syndrome are ideal candidates for this process.
Read more: Spinal cord stimulator implants can treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Living with a spinal cord stimulator: What you should know
1) MRI and CT scans are not safe
If you have a spinal cord stimulator, you may want to avoid using MRI. The type of spinal cord stimulator you have will determine MRI safety and compatibility. The magnetic field generated by MRIS can cause the current in the spinal cord stimulator to become unstable, which can be very dangerous. If you need an MRI for some reason, you need to turn off the stimulator temporarily.
2) Security checkpoints may cause problems
If you have a spinal cord stimulator, passing a safety checkpoint can be a bit troublesome. The metal detectors at the airport may trigger an alarm due to the metal in the stimulator. You need to do additional screening, which may take some time.
Also, don’t panic if you are passing through the metal detector and it goes out. The stimulator does not trigger an alarm. If you are passing through a body scanner, you will need to notify the security personnel that you have a spinal cord stimulator. They may need to do a pat instead of using a machine.
3) Driving
Electrical pulses in SC can interfere with pacemakers and other electronic devices. If you have SC, you should not drive until your doctor tells you to be safe.
touch Illinois Institute of Pain and Spine Studies Learn more Spinal cord stimulation in Chicago. Our doctors and experts will be more than happy to help you embark on a pain-free journey.
