Spinal Cord Stimulator
What is Neuromodulation?
Neuromodulation for managing pain is an advanced technique that changes the electrical activity in our nervous tissues such as the spinal cord or the nerves. It is like a pacemaker for our pain - designed to interrupt the pain signals and improve the quality of life - especially in individuals suffering from persistent leg and arm pain following spine surgery.
How does it work?
Imagine when there is a pinprick or a mosquito bite. We react to it by rubbing or scratching the skin vigorously, in order to reduce the pain.
The nerves that carry these sensations are of two types. The slow smaller nerves carry the pain sensation and the fast larger ones carry touch and vibration sense. Both these wires terminate in the same junction box in the spinal cord. The larger nerves carry sensations like rubbing or scratching, and carry them fast and strong enough to shut out the pain signals in the smaller nerves.
Neuromodulation works on a similar principle, without of course the scratching. Here, fine wires are placed close to the spinal cord or the nerves, and tiny impulses are passed through it from an implanted battery. This increases the activity in the touch and vibration nerves to shut out the pain signals from being conveyed to the brain. Neuroscience calls it the ‘Gate Control Theory.’
Which Pain Conditions respond to a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
- Post laminectomy surgery syndrome (Previously known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome or FBSS)
- Prior to a second or repeat back surgery, for which pain is the main indication
- Neuropathic pain (tingling, burning, electric shock like pain) of the arms, trunk, legs
- Complex regional pain syndrome
The Procedure
Once we have done the workup, including a psychological assessment, a trial stimulation is done at Atlas Pain Care, Coimbatore. This trial phase lasts for upto a week and minor adjustments are done to the spinal cord stimulator in accordance with your needs. When there are significant benefits, which is not just reduction in pain but also reduction in suffering and disability and improvement in physical activities, a permanent placement of the spinal cord stimulator is offered. This is a day care procedure in which the permanent wires are placed and a small battery is buried under the skin. The stimulation is then adjusted with a remote control to suit your needs.
Some Important Facts
- Studies have shown that an early neuromodulation (Spinal cord stimulation) in failed back surgery has a better chance of success.
- More than 60% of pain sufferers, who are suitable for the procedure, show a 60-70% reduction in their pain intensity.
- The life span of a spinal cord stimulation battery is between 7-10 years
- The spinal cord stimulator, once implanted, becomes cost effective within 3 years, as there is less need for repeated hospitalizations, lesser medications, fewer investigations and a more productive and fruitful life.
Please read our FAQ section to know more about the do's and don'ts prior to and after the procedure.