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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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Thank you for your reply, @deankay1 . FOUR lumbar fusions?? Did it take them four times to get it right, or was it four different vertebrae each time? So sorry you had to endure that!! And afterwards, still in pain!!! The surgeon who did my laminectomy said he could go back and fuse L4/L5/S1 and that "might" solve my radiculopathy issues. But "might" is not what I wanted to hear. I'm glad you are getting some relief with the SCS. I'm trying to do my homework, and I'm not yet convinced that it would help with my balance. Best wishes to you!! Mike
I am also being urged to get a spinal cord stimulator for chronic back pain after failed back surgery. I am hesitant.
I need four disc fusion but doctors don't think it will work. I am so surprised your balance is off, too! I can't walk unassisted. Is this common?
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1 ReactionHi, @rosey2 Do you have numbness in your feet? When we learn to walk as toddlers, we build a connection between the way our feet perceive the floor/ground beneath us and the brain. It's called proprioception. Since my feet are numbed due to the radiculopathy, I don't feel the ground or floor quite as well as before.... and this is what creates my imbalance. I can walk unassisted, but I do find myself holding onto things at times. It seems to be worse in enclosed spaces where I have to maneuver around furniture or doorways. If I'm out walking in a straight path, it is less bothersome, though it's still there. I've found NO ONE who can tell me for sure that the SCS has helped them with balance like I deal with. So I'm hesitant. Best wishes! Mike
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1 ReactionI am currently using an external bone growth stimulator by Orthofix, via the recommendation from my surgeon. Given my genetically bad spine, coupled with 35 years of RA, I opted to try it. I have a much higher risk of fusion failure (4 level ACDF) and will try anything to keep failure from happening! My PEMF collar is worn 4 hrs/day for at least 6 mos post surgery. They do make a brace for the back, as well. I can’t comment on it’s effectiveness, but it comes with good success stats.
Thank you.
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1 ReactionI am learning that it does happen. My best wishes to you.
Yes.
I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and have exhausted all my options dealing with all the issues that come from AS. I recently had bilateral SI joint fusion which seems successful however did nothing for the clinical nerve pain. I’m now looking at spinal nerve stimulation device, Abbott Proclaim XR is the device my dr has recommended. Anyone out there that has similar issues & experiences?
Is the spinal nerve stimulation device also known as the spinal cord stimulator (SCS)?
I am unaware of a spinal nerve stimulation device, yet I am familiar with Abbott SCS. Are you able to have a trial to see if you are a candidate? The trial could and could not help, as many patients see the benefits of a SCS yet the real stimulator isn't the right tool for them.
Do your research and talk with the representatives, and others who have used it.