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Should I have the Spinal Cord Stimulator? Looking for reviews on this

Posted by denman55 @denman55, Jun 5, 2023

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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mishea | @mishea | 5 days ago
In reply to @gaskell "@pen55 Have you discussed a pain pump with your doctor? It will pump opiates into your..." + (show)
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@pen55
Have you discussed a pain pump with your doctor? It will pump opiates into your spine and this does not affect your brain, only your spine. I have had a pump since 2015. I hear horror stories about spinal cord stimulators not working and having to be removed (yet another surgery). The pump requires maintenance as it must be refilled with medication about every three to four months. This requires an injection, but Lidocaine can be injected first to reduce discomfort. I have severe scoliosis and spinal stenosis. without my pump I would be in a wheelchair. The pump I have is from Medtronics. It might be worth looking into.

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@gaskell
Are you happy with the pump?? What was the procedure with The medical system ,insurance,etc to get approved to get it (pump) . and getting it implanted.
Thank you

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heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 5 days ago
In reply to @klush159 "Getting my SCS in a few weeks, I just want to be able to walk. Has..." + (show)
Profile picture for klush159 @klush159

Getting my SCS in a few weeks, I just want to be able to walk. Has anyone gotten motor function in their legs back? I have a failed L4/5 and neuropathy. I’ve been on 2400 mg gabapentin for 20 years and recently tramadol. Idk just tired and pray this helps. Mine will be done in outpatient surgery center. Will post more after procedure is done….

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@klush159 I'm assuming that you had the trial done and it provided at least 50% pain relief, right? I had a Medtronic SCS implanted eight years ago. It worked well until it suddenly just stopped working in 2021. I wish you well.

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heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 5 days ago

@klush159 I would say, based on my experience, that an do just about all normal activities with a SCS. Just don't go crazy.

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chrissy23 | @chrissy23 | 5 days ago

I had the Nevro spinal cord stimulator implanted in 2025. I have had success with this particular implant. I was at a pain level of about an 8 or 9 and since the implant I have dropped down to about 1 or 2. On a bad day it might be a 2.5. This helped with my sciatica and pain in my left leg. I am very impressed by this company’s implant.

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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | 4 days ago
In reply to @pen55 "@denman55 I'm in the same boat as you after fighting with ilio inguinal pain for 4..." + (show)
Profile picture for pen55 @pen55

@denman55 I'm in the same boat as you after fighting with ilio inguinal pain for 4 years it's so debilitating the only option I have now is a spinal cord stimulator which I'm scheduled for in a couple of weeks I just have to have faith in my doctor and not get too anxious over some of the horror stories. Different people have different outcomes I just hope one of the lucky ones that gets at least 50%, 30%

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@pen55

Maybe talk with the folks at Boston Scientific or which ever brand is offered to you and ask them who in your area has the best success rate. Then the probe has to be in the right spot. For about 6 weeks after the device is inpanted my friend says that you have to be very careful not to move the probe until it has grown into place. The Bos Sci rep describes my friend's pain doc as the best of the best. I am going to see him this Monday the 20th. I hope he can offer some relief that doesn't use SCS methodology.

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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | 1 day ago
In reply to @bajjerfan "@pen55 Maybe talk with the folks at Boston Scientific or which ever brand is offered to..." + (show)
Profile picture for bajjerfan @bajjerfan

@pen55

Maybe talk with the folks at Boston Scientific or which ever brand is offered to you and ask them who in your area has the best success rate. Then the probe has to be in the right spot. For about 6 weeks after the device is inpanted my friend says that you have to be very careful not to move the probe until it has grown into place. The Bos Sci rep describes my friend's pain doc as the best of the best. I am going to see him this Monday the 20th. I hope he can offer some relief that doesn't use SCS methodology.

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@bajjerfan

He did say that he doesn't believe that I will be a good candidate for SCS or similar therapy so that's out. Looking to try a L5-S1 injection in about a week. Various MRIs have have shown issues at L5-S1, but nobody has actually focused on those. If it works having a shot once or twice a year wouldn't be the worst thing in the worl.

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mrwiggles | @mrwiggles | 12 hours ago
In reply to @heisenberg34 "I had my back pain under moderately good control with meds from 2017 to 2018. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for heisenberg34 @heisenberg34

I had my back pain under moderately good control with meds from 2017 to 2018. I still had some bad days. I met with a local pain specialist who suggested the SCS. Prior to the implant (mine is Medtronics), you have the trial. The trial is done in the doctor's office. A temporary lead is placed in the Thoracic vertebrae area and the lead is attached to the generator ( actually a battery) which is temporarily taped to your back. Very easy and quick procedure. Wear the device for 3 to 5 days to see how much pain mitigation you get. I got about 70 to 80% pain reduction. Felt great. So, I went ahead with the surgery. It's usually an out patient procedure. The permanent implant didn't give quite as much relief as the trial, but it was still good. Recommend at least having the trial. If it doesn't help, they just remove it and send you on your way. There are a number of SCSs out there. Nevro is supposed to be good, also.

I wish you well, and pray you find some relief.

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@heisenberg34
Thank you for sharing. My pain specialist recommended the Boston Scientific SCS yesterday. I’ve had two back surgeries, and multiple injections and am currently taking Lyrica and Tramadol. The pain is debilitating and getting worse. Those medications might as well be placebo. I take them only at night, I don’t want to be goonie during the day. So, today I’m looking for all the cons and the % of folks having issues as a result of the SCS.

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