Spinal pain management

Hello,
I, too, am in the process of getting a spinal cord stimulator for intractable back pain. I'm fused from L2 to L5. Pain seems to come mostly from L5-S1 and from the R S-I joint. I was scheduled for the test of the spinal cord stimulator the first Friday in April, but I had a UTI and postponed. Since them, there have not been enough of us to go ahead with the procedure; they like to have several before setting aside a day to do the procedure. I live in a town of just over 100,000 in central OR, but larger centers are about 3 1/2 hours away. I, too, would like to hear from others who have had a spinal cord stimulator implanted.

@joanland and @bootmaker - I have not had a spinal cord stimulator installed. But I'm responding with my ideas on having a solid strategy in place to get to the root cause of your symptoms.

(1) Get diagnosed using the latest/best equipment there is. There can be differences in the quality of MRI films and such. (2) Always seek a second opinion. (3) Identify the best medical facility for your medical issues. Don't be put off by remoteness or the requirement to travel a distance to get to the facility. The time investment required to travel can be well worth it! (4) Work to identify the best doc at that facility. (Sometimes, that's hard to do for a layman using the internet. You can increase your chances of working with a first-rate neurosurgeon if you are working with a top-notch medical facility.)

Good luck!

I had a spinal cord stimulator (Medtronics) implanted back in 2018. This was after a fusion of L5-S1 in 2017 (which did not improve my pain). I had some relief with meds but not great. The SCS was recommended by a neurosurgeon in nearby city. I had the trial (which ws done in pain specialist's office as an outpatient) which lasted about 4 days. It did help quite a bit (70-80%), so I went ahead with the permanent implant. It did not provide as much relief as the trial (50%), but helped to control the pain. Then, in 2021, it just stopped working. The was some thought that the paddle may have moved. Anyway, I just had it removed. Can finally go for an NRI to see what is going on with my back. Implanted pain pump is not providing any relief.

Good Morning,

After a spinal fusion from L5-S1 in 2015, I had a disc slippage in 2022. I was consulted about a spinal cord stimulator from the pain management doctor I see to thereafter. Previously, I had the epidurals, PT's, yet not wanting to be medicated with pain relievers, as I am extremely active as a 67 year old then. I learned about a SCS from a seminar in 2019, but wasn't ready. As the previous posts recommended, I consulted with three neurosurgeons, one from Mayo in Phoenix, AZ. The pain management doctor recommended Abbott SCS, and I had the trial in December 2022, which was satisfactory, and gave me the green light to proceed and continue with the decision to have one implanted. I chose a surgeon in Phoenix, who has done hundreds of these, and he was quite professional, and pleasant. The device used was the latest model, a Burst, I believe, yet with my slim body frame, it protruded out, yet I felt if it did the work, I can live with it. It created sciatica pain, and five months later was removed with a smaller unit, one that is chargeable, an Eterna. I charge it about six times a year, no big deal. It is working, doing its' job, and I am pleased with it. It is also MRI compatible, and I turn it to surgical mode when needed, and that means through airport security, although you can receive a pat-down. If you strongly consider a SCS, there are many companies that have them, my pain management recommended Abbott. Have the paddles implanted and not the lead wires. The paddles prove to be a longer recovery-rehab, but the results are better to flush the pain to the brain. The lead wires are not as successful, is what I heard. I can't recommend enough to receive three opinions. One was a orthopedist. I didn't care for his demeanor, in fact, when I decided to go through with the neurosurgeon, the office from the orthopedist called me and asked me why I didn't choose him (?) Wow, I understand it is a money thing, as the procedure was well over 150K. Medicare and my supplement covered it all. If you would like more information please contact me. I am not sure I can give out my personal information.

please read my post below. If you need to travel 3.5 hours away, do it. When living in the Central Valley of California, I traveled to San Francisco for my care, about 2 hours away. Currently, I travel an hour away for care in Phoenix and Scottsdale, and I am a patient at Mayo. I wasn't wow'd about the neurosurgeon at Mayo for the SCS, but there are other neuro's in the area. I chose a highly recommended neurosurgeon, and he asked for quite a bit tests to get in. Start with the trial and see if that works. The pain management doctor who does the trial, will recommend a person, but I asked the rep who they would recommend, and that is who I chose. Also, it isn't a one size fits all: you need to work with the rep for the right program. I have consulted with the Abbott rep six times to find the right program. Good luck, and keep us posted.

please read my posts. Try the SCS trial. The trial was successful for me, yet the device was the wrong size implanted. After expressing my concerns with the neurosurgeon he consulted with a team of doctors, and it was removed with a smaller one implanted. Give it time, work with the rep, as the first program might not work. Have the paddles implanted, not the lead wires. The success rate is higher. The rehab is 8 weeks, and I am very active, playing tennis, pickleball, hike, bike, weights and walk. At age 69, I want to stay active, and I don't nearly have the pain I did in the AM when waking up, or suffering after a long tennis match.

Thanks much to Vikitennis: You've given me much to think about. Fortunately, the neurosurgeon I'm working with is very likely the best between Seattle and San Francisco and possibly including those two cities. He chooses to live here because it is a gorgeous area in which to live.
Congratulations on the success of your implant. I'm so glad you've had the success you've had and gotten back to all the activities you love. I'd be very happy to get back to where I could walk more than 100 yards (after walking 170 miles to elevations of 17,400 ft in Nepal).

Thanks so much, Phil. You and vickitennis have given me a lot to think about. I'll be doing more research into who does what and for how long and where (here or elsewhere) before settling on a doc and procedure. Thanks again.

I understand your pain, and feel you don't need to live this way. Have you spoken to the neurosurgeon of your dilemma? Possibly he can recommend a surgeon in Seattle.

I can't give you any advice except that I have discovered that the doctors fail to tell you how long it takes to become relatively pain free. I had my operation for spinal stenosis well over a year ago. Yesterday, I was in pain. But that was the worst pain that I had had in three weeks. Even with minor pain, I can be miserable during the day and then after dinner, I become pain free and I could work all night if I wanted to.

My acupuncturist had a a similar operation to me. She walked out of the hospital without any problem. She gets regular treatments from a chiropractor. They trade treatments! I am starting back to have chiropractic treatments. I don't have my back twisted. I just have my neck worked on and the chiropractor works on extending my right leg. It makes a difference. I think it relieves pressure on nerves.

I am also having difficulty walking which I didn't have before either.

All I can say is don't expect overnight improvement. Take it slow. I was so determined to get off Tramadol and Gabapentin that I overdid Advil and almost had a heart attack. One doctor did call it a "mini" heart attack.

Best of luck and a lot of patience and slow determination to get back to something called near normal. Just be grateful that you are not in a wheel chair.