About this topic
Spinal cord stimulation is also called SCS. It can lessen some types of long term pain. With SCS, the doctor puts small wires called leads near the spinal cord in the area where you are having pain. The leads connect to a device that sends a small electrical current through the leads directly to the nerve fibers. This current disrupts the signal sent to your brain and replaces the feeling of pain with a tingling sensation. ‚
There are 2 stages for the spinal cord stimulator procedure. ‚
- Trial stage ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor will place leads in your back. The leads connect to a stimulator that is on the outside of your body. The current from the stimulator goes through the leads into your body. The trial stage gives you the chance to try different settings on the stimulator to see which works best on your pain. You will be able to decide if your pain is improved and if you are comfortable with the tingling. If it seems to be helping, your doctor may put in a permanent SCS device.
- Permanent SCS ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor will place the leads and the stimulator under your skin through small cuts. Your SCS will have some kind of power source. Some are rechargeable. Others are replaced after 5 to 10 years. Another kind has a power source that is outside of your skin.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you understand everything the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Learn how to program and adjust your stimulator.
- Ask your doctor about the best ways for you to move. Your doctor may want you to avoid things that make you twist, bend, or stretch while you heal.
- If you have a headache, your doctor may ask you to lie flat and drink plenty of fluids.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages.
- When you may take a bath or shower.
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds.
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex.
- Wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
- Try to avoid coughing or sneezing. Also try to avoid straining during bowel movements.
- Your doctor may limit your driving or not allow you to drive for a few weeks.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Your doctor will give you a card to carry that tells about your device. Always keep it with you.
- Tell other doctors that you have a SCS if you need a procedure such as MRI or surgery.
- Your SCS may set off metal detectors at places like the airport. Tell airport staff that you have an SCS before you go through the security process. Show them your medical device ID card.
- Your SCS may cause problems with things with a magnetic strip like a credit card or hotel key. It may also cause problems with a watch, clock, CD, or other recording. Keep these things at least 2 inches (5 cm) away from your stimulator.
- Anti-theft devices in stores may cause your SCS to send out more impulses. It is best to turn your SCS off before walking through one of these devices.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
- Soften stool
Will physical activity be limited?
- You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Short walks are good for you.
- While you heal, your doctor may want you to:
- Limit car trips to those that are really needed
- Avoid activities that cause you to bend, stretch, or twist, like working in the garden, using the vacuum, etc.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat high fiber foods. These include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Limit sugary, fatty, and starchy foods.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Paralysis or weakness
- Worse pain or no pain relief
- Problems with the stimulator or leads
- Spinal fluid leakage
- Headache
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal, or pain.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- You are getting too much or too little stimulation from your SCS
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I am getting too much or too little stimulation from my SCS.
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Neurological Surgeons ‚
https://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Spinal%20Cord%20Stimulation.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚