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Spinal Cord Stimulation for chronic back pain

Posted by rhuck513 @rhuck513, Apr 17, 2023

I have suffered with chronic back pain for a couple of years. It started after I had my hip replaced, and then a hip replacement revision on the same hip. Thee surgeon claims that the replacement is good, and that I suffer with nerve damage. It's been nearly 2 years since my surgery and I need help!
Have any of you had a Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulation installed? If so, how is it working for you? Any help would be appreciated!

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jthomas458 | @jthomas458 | Jun 13, 2024
In reply to @lchayim "I've had 2 Medtronic SCS implants. The first one in 2010 was great. The second to..." + (show)
@lchayim

I've had 2 Medtronic SCS implants. The first one in 2010 was great. The second to replace it in 2019. I LOVE my spinal cord stimulator! It works great for my legs and feet.

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Who is your doctor?

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lchayim | @lchayim | Jun 14, 2024

I do have that and when it flares, my SCS doesn't help. My implant helps my Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy in my feet and legs. It's a burning, aching pain. It has mostly resolved after 14 years with the stimulator.

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heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | Jun 14, 2024

I had the Medtronics scs implanted back in 2018. It worked well until 2021. Then it just stopped working. There some discussion after checking it out that some of the electrodes were burned out on the paddle. Anyway, I had everything removed a month ago. If you do online research, you will find that the Boston Scientifi Wave Rider is the highest rated SCS. Of course every brand will have those who like it and those who do not. Just like everything. I like Chevy, you hate Chevy. Good luck.

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sindygreig | @sindygreig | Apr 1 12:44pm
In reply to @heisenberg34 "I switched it out for a Nevro SCS. That did nothing for my pain. I just..." + (show)
@heisenberg34

I switched it out for a Nevro SCS. That did nothing for my pain. I just had a morphine pain pump implanted about 2 weeks ago. They start on a very low dose and then you go back for a few visits to up the med dosage until you hit the best dosage level. I had my first adjustment last week and am going back for the second adjustment this coming Tuesday.

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Good luck!

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1 reply
heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | Apr 1 1:16pm
In reply to @sindygreig "Good luck!" + (show)
@sindygreig

Good luck!

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Thanks. It’s very frustrating having to do your own research because the doctors are either too busy or just not interested in taking a deeper dive into your pain.

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lpockat | @lpockat | Apr 12 4:53pm
In reply to @denman55 "I have lumbar spinal stenosis and have been in pain for over 10-years. I've had multiple..." + (show)
@denman55

I have lumbar spinal stenosis and have been in pain for over 10-years. I've had multiple procedures and treatments/therapies, and nothing has worked to alleviate my pain. The physicians have told me my only option is to have the Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted. I absolutely refuse! I have read the literature and watched the video, and also have read that there have been over 80,000 spinal cord injuries as a result of this Spinal cord stimulator. I do not feel that this is safe and I will not have it done. I'm also an RN, and have talked to many patients about this - many have it removed within a year.

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I've had the medtronic stimulator for over a year now, and have at least 70% less pain. I just pray it continues!
Being a nurse you probably have access to more comments etc. so I guess you need to trust your gut, and do what makes you feel safe. Good luck - coming from someone that has had back surgery, cage put in, and now going for an vertebroplasty. I have three fractured discs.

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dhelen | @dhelen | Apr 13 4:38pm
In reply to @cgdavis1955 "I was recently diagnosed with moderate cervical spinal stenosis at C5-C6. My whole spine is full..." + (show)
@cgdavis1955

I was recently diagnosed with moderate cervical spinal stenosis at C5-C6. My whole spine is full of arthritis with neuroforminal stenosis, disc bulges, osteophytes, etc. I went to a neurosurgeon for low back pain and discovered that all the falling and concussions aren't because of having Meinere's Disease, which I presumed. After a MRI of my cervical spine, the surgeon explained that my lack of balance, falling, lack of gripping with my hands, abnormal hand and arm reflexes, and more is because the arthritis is so bad it is squeezing my spinal cord and causing all the issues I have had for six or so years. He said I needed surgery asap. That freaked me out. The whole thing freaks me out. I see it as a lose, lose situation. If I don't have surgery to replace the vertebrae, I will get worse until I am paralyzed from the neck down. If I have the surgery, there is a less than 1% chance of something going wrong and I end up paralyzed from surgery. Small chance, but it is a chance. I have a reprieve until August. Meanwhile, my neck is hurting, and I have a headache that feels like my brain is going to explode with trouble seeing with my glasses on. This is a relatively new symptom. I just had my annual eye exam and an endoscopy. All the problems can be attributed to the spinal stenosis at C5/C6. What's a person supposed to do?

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12 years ago I had my 4th back surgery. My back was broken and completely rebuilt. This surgery was pro for med by Dr. Christopher I Shaffrey a head neurosurgeon at UVA in Virginia. No other surgeon would take my case. I was bed ridden and he told me he could taken away 50% of my pain. He actually took away 75% of my pain and I live a normal life no longer bedridden. Dr. Shaffrey went on to preform other feats that got him even in Time Magazine. He is now Chief of Duke Spine Division, President elect of the American Association of Surgeons, Director for the American Board of Neurological Surgery, Chair of Int’l Advanced Spine Techniques. I don't know where you live but a trip to Duke University in Durham, NC would be worth it. Good luck, my prayers are with you.

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