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.

My first visit at the Mayo Clinic, Tyler Young P.A-C., M.S. referred me to Pain management, which I will see Tyler Dunn M.D. He also told me it is a process to get the implant, 3 -4 months. In the process go back to my pain and spine management in Albuquerque, NM. and demand they do a Radio Frequency Ablation. I had the injections yesterday Friday 31st, which I could not be leave the difference. I could actually walk like a normal human being. It only lasted for a few hours, it was great for those few hours. I am fused from L2-SI joints. The Dr. that did my ablation injections told me the pain I have is Sciatic pain from not being able to move any of the muscles around the spine. He is the first one to tell any that, which makes since. I will see Tyler Dun M.D. on Friday June 7th, I can not wait to see what can come out of this visit.

Thank you everyone for the information. I have a lot of information and questions to ask June 7th, when I see Tyler Dunn M.D. I am super excited about this upcoming visit. I hope I come out with getting some permanent relief in the near future.

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.