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Pain from spinal cord stimulator anchor hardware
I had a lumbar spinal cord stimulator implanted about 6 months ago. It's working reasonably well to help manage my low back pain. My biggest complaint is the hardware that anchors the leads and keeps them from migrating. The anchors sit over my spinal column and resulted in a raised scar. This is painful at times, especially when sitting in chairs with no back padding. They seem to have also changed the curvature of my spine somewhat, which negatively impacts my posture.
There are some surgical options to reposition the anchors or replace the leads with paddles, which don't require anchors. But both surgical options are pretty involved and would require another lengthy recovery.
I didn't even know this was a potential negative outcome risk until I did some research and found this impacts about 5% of SCS implant patients. In my case it's apparently more of an issue because I'm thin (BMI = 20.8). Is anyone else struggling with anchor pain from their SCS implant?
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Yes to itching, probably where the incision is at. It does improve. Testing is a good idea.
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1 ReactionI don't know of any clinics around 08317. I'm 58 and the surgeon said he'll
take it out but chance of paralysis. Saw 2nd opinion. He said I have severe
scoliosiis and see a scoliosis Dr. I've had scoliosis but never this bad
and now I'm dealing with enteritis, is the failed stimulator causing these
problems?
fol,
I too have scoliosis, and something interesting that triggered my mind is, the X-ray from may 2024 and October 2024 showed an increase in the curvature: 18-24%. Why paralysis? Is this doctor performed hundreds of the SCS surgeries? removals? My doc has, and nothing was mentioned. How far are you from Phoenix? his name is Dr. Robert Bina fro Banner University and Banner Health. It could be a shot to see him.
I'm in NJ but my x-ray showed severe disc degenerative. It was moderate. An MRI before the stimulator showed small curve and last month showed two types of scoliosis and very severe. Wants me to see a scoliosis expert. My theory is the stimulator causing all these problems. I also have gastrointestinal inflammation that's causing excruciating pain
I just wish I can talk to a Dr. To tell me truth
I'm in NJ but my x-ray showed severe disc degenerative. It was moderate. An MRI before the stimulator showed small curve and last month showed two types of scoliosis and very severe. Wants me to see a scoliosis expert. My theory is the stimulator causing all these problems. I also have gastrointestinal inflammation that's causing excruciating pain. Thanks for your reply.