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Should I have the Spinal Cord Stimulator? Looking for reviews on this
I have had chronic lower back pain due to lumbar spinal stenosis for over 10-years. I have had multiple therapies and procedures done - including RFA, Epidural steroid injections, a MILD procedure, acupuncture, OT/PT and Chiropractics, as well as an Interspinous spacer and nothing has helped my pain. After all of that, the physician I saw in March's only recommendation was for me to have the Spinal cord stimulator, but I am actually afraid of this and have read that there have been numerous injuries as a result of this implant, and after reviewing the booklet and watching the video I initially felt that it was just to restrictive in terms of how you could move your body. If you have had this procedure please let me know your results. Many thanks.
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@bootmaker Welcome to Connect. After a few surgeries, you will have scar tissue from the surgical path and that can tighten up. It takes 6 weeks to heal an incision and longer for bone to heal from the surgery. After you get past that healing and it is safe to do physical therapy, you may want to consider myofascial release therapy that can loosen up tight tissue that may be causing pain. If have done MFR for a number of years and it really helps. It made my cervical fusion easier because my neck was not as tight, and my recovery was better.
Here is our discussion where you can learn more about MFR.
Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
There is a provider search at http://mfrtherapists.com/
Do your research to make a smart decision for YOU! Remember, you’ll need to charge the battery every few days & have the tech re-program it several times.
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1 Reactionhello bootmaker. i'm new so I hope i'm replying in the right place regarding spinal pain. i'm 73 and have had back pain for 30 years or so. i've had a laminectomy at l4-l5 level, tried differed meds, etc. What is helping now is nerve ablation, a spnal cord stimulator, meds, some walking and swimming but not too much. have had phsical therapy. I will never be pain free but I'm learning to manage what I can and watch for new procedures. i go to a pain clinic in Florida and don't let regular docs give me pain meds. What i do take is always a step down from what would give more relief but I prefer to give myself room to edge up if i have to. Mind relaxation exercises help - every 5 minutes is heaven that wasn't there before. Just do the best you can, and keep your eyes and ears open to pain management news. i wish you a life with little to no pain!
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3 ReactionsI had a spinal fusion ten years ago at UCSF, as I lived in Northern California. it didn't give the relief I was looking for. Spondyliothesis, DDD, stenosis, and levoscoliosis, which the latter plagues me today. After the epidurals, PT sessions at various locations, neurosurgeon at Mayo, twice (two different surgeons) I decided after the disc slippage again while playing tennis, to consider a spinal cord stimulator. The pain management doctor recommended an Abbott, and the latest device. After the trial to see if it was successful for five days, of which it was, I interviewed three surgeons. I chose the surgeon the rep recommended, and I have and been pleased with him. The device was switched out for a more compatible device, as the non-chargeable unit was too large on my body frame. I walk away with three pieces of advice: have more than one neurosurgeon's referral; use the paddles and not the lead wires for more pain management effectiveness; and work with your rep after the implantation: it is not a one size fits all. I have called and worked with the rep six times to find a program that works for me. I believe for some people, they give up too early. The recovery is longer with the paddles, and not an easy recovery. I took off seven weeks from sports, but I don't suffer from morning pain when rising, or pain after a long tennis match. I am 69 years old, extremely active, and hope to engage in sports well into my 80's.
best of luck to you. Please continue to keep the viewers updated on your results. I like how you mentioned " I am old enough that I can remember going to the Dr. and they would tell you what is wrong, now days you have to be the Dr. and tell them what you have and what they need to do for you. "
I am to see a scoliosis neurosurgeon this month, upon recommendation from the neurosurgeon who implanted the SCS last year. This neuro ordered the X-rays, and CT scan along with the doctor's referral. He is Keeper!
The trial is important. It will give you an idea as to how well you will do with the permanentimplant. My trial gave me about 80% relief. The permanent implant was only about 50%, but, along with the meds, I got decent pain relief. The next decision is which one to use. There are many different ones out there... Medtronics, NEVRO HFX, Boston Scientific, and others. I have seen people say to get the paddle electrode which is sutured in place. Less chance of moving away from the sweet spot.
Mine worked for about three and a half years. Then it just suddenly stopped. There was some thought that some of the electrodes on the paddle had burned out. Who knows? Good luck with whatever you decide.
Hi all
I just joined this group as I am waiting for an appointment schedule for a second opinion at May Phoenix. I have herniated disc l5-l1, spinal stenosis, ddd and as a result have had serious lower back pain over the last 6 years, with excrutiating sciatic pain down both legs starting about a year ago.
I see a great pain doc in Chandler AZ and he tried everything, steroid injections, blocks, nerve ablation. Nothing helped. I saw a surgeon at Barrow, and he said that while he can do a laminectomy on three of the discs, he is worried about the impact on spine stability. Now waiting for a second opinion from Mayo.
I am a 53 active female and I feel my life has been taken away from me. I am on gabapentin and duloxetine, tylenol, aleve, THC, CBD ... do reformer pilates 5 times a week ... and I still cannot walk more than 100 ft without pain.
Anyone who has looked at a three disc laminectomy vs fusion in the L5-L1 section? I have not looked into stimulators at all.
Any advice is appreciated.
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1 ReactionMy problem is in my cervical spine. According to one surgeon I will become paralyzed without laminectomy and fusion. I have dealt with this off and on for 30 years. Do not want spine surgery. Going for second opinion with chief of neurosurgery at Univ of Penn Friday. Best thing you can do is second opinion and don’t go to orthopedic surgeon. Go to a neurosurgeon. I worked in orthopedics for 20 years They are trained differently. Good luck
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2 ReactionsUgh, I have cervical stenosis and thoracic outlet syndrome in addition to the lumbar issues. But I’ve been lucky that I’ve been able to manage it with medications, injections, and massage therapy. No luck with any of that for the lumbar issues.
So scary to think it could lead to paralysis! Hoping for a good outcome for you.
Thanks. They can’t do an epidural because there is no space to put the needle in. I tried that first. Good luck with your lumbar. That is a harder recovery