Spinal Cord Stimulation for chronic back pain

My first SCS was a Medtronics unit. It worked really well. Nevro and Boston make units as well. I think the key is finding an experienced neurosurgeon with excellent reviews. Placing the electrode paddle in just the right spot is critical. Give a different SCS a trial.

I was happy to hear you say you have 75% pain relief. I has a SCS with Boston Scientific 8 weeks ago. I have found it challenging with the heaviness in my legs and general malaise. In the beginning, did you have these issues? I am just having trouble adjusting. Did you have any of these problems when you were newly adjusting to the device? Thank you for your reply.

I had no issues after the SC implant/ Mine was a Medtronics.

Might be worth another trial. Perhaps a different type of stimulator.

Rchuck - I was diagnosed with chronic L5 nerve damage after L4-5 fusion. Some called it Failed Back Syndrome. I wish I'd never had the surgery. Then I had a Lt. THR, "they" thought that my hip might be contributing to my backpain but like you, it only made things worse. I saw 3 neurosurgeons and they all said surgery wouldn't help my back. But thankfully the last neurosurgeon said I might be a good candidate for SCS, I'd never heard of them. You might do the trial and see if it works for you. That process is so easy, it's almost like getting an epidural injection. I had 75% relief, they only require 50% but I also wasn't doing any major activities. I am a retired ICU RN and believe me, I researched the process and the devices thoroughly, read "current" (lots of outdated info out there) abstracts, etc. and I found this forum, which is fantastic. Please keep us updated. I wish you the best.

judyedd - I just had a Boston Scientific Wave Writer implanted 2 days ago. The trial went great. I'm curious when the discomfort from the implant will go away? I'm small, 5'3" and 107 lbs. It feels like when someone grabs you around the lower ribs trying to startle you but it's constant. I don't take the pain pills often enough. I know I don't because they do work but then I couldn't drive and I want to tomorrow (day 3). I don't like the way they make me feel. Stool softeners aren't helping the constipation either 🙁 . I do take the pain meds at night and I sleep well. Ice works for awhile during the day. Do you remember how long it took to have the constant grabbing go away? Thank you in advance for your insight.

Search for Spinal Cord Stimulator on Mayo. Lots of comments!

I had a Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator surgery in 2021 that wasn’t helpful. Then had another lead added in 2022. It never worked, so the original surgeon removed it in February 2024. I know it works well for some, but I question the high success rates shown. I’m 76 & have had cerebral palsy since birth so that may have been a factor with mine. I’m now with a new pain management doctor & just had a spinal nerve block, so we’ll see how that works.

I have a different brand of scs that I just had put in 2 weeks ago and it really works for me. I think I have about 80-90% relief from neuropathy pain. I still have mechanical pain, but any relief is appreciated when you have chronic pain.

@ginnyjm - I'm impressed with your persistence. Being your own best advocate is definitely the way to go. I hope the new doc and suggested treatments will bring you the hoped-for relief.

I agree with the previous posts: a good neurosurgeon, the recovery with the paddles takes time, and work with your rep on the programing, no matter what company you go with.
I have Abbott, had the trial in December 2022, interviewed three surgeons, and took the time to decide who was the best for me. I had a Mayo neurosurgeon as well, and he was to use the lead wires and not the paddles due to it "was easier". The pain management doctor recommended the paddles, as they are more effective with pain management and transferring the stimulation to the brain. During the trial which was successful, I asked the rep who she would recommend, and she told me. I met with him, but prior to the appointment, he asked for a number of tests and exams. I liked him right away, and he told me he had done 100's of them. I chose the Burst model, the latest at the time. The device was too large on my slim frame (5'7" and 120 pounds) and after a few months, and recovery from the paddle implantation (the battery never bothered me) I asked to have a smaller one inserted, as it was causing sciatica pain. The Burst was swapped out for the Eterna, and not only does it now show, but I have 80% relief: no pain when waking in the morning, no pain when playing a long tennis match (age 69) The surgeon cares for my health, and has followed up with me on other tests I have requested, as I have levoscoliosis.
Work with the rep on the programming. I met with them five times in 3 months, possibly 4-5 months, and found a program that worked. I met with them recently, as sitting on an airplane to Europe, or sitting in a car for a long time, creates much pain. Another program was brought in, and I am 40% better. There are a number of companies for SCS; the pain management doctor recommended Abbott, as some could be very abrasive with their healing. I knew about SCS six years ago, but I wasn't ready until the epidurals and other pain management procedures were not working. As one post mentioned, do your research, the SCS have come a long ways since 2018.