1. < Neuropathy

Anyone tried Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain?

Posted by steeldove @steeldove, Oct 25, 2018

Spinal Cord Stimulation – A Compelling Treatment Alternative for Chronic Pain https://www.hss.edu/conditions_spinal-cord-stimulation-treatment-alternative-chronic-pain.asp
Vladimir N. Kramskiy, MD Assistant Attending Neurologist, Hospital for Special Surgery, Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Read more here: https://www.hss.edu/conditions_spinal-cord-stimulation-treatment-alternative-chronic-pain.asp
Posted: 10/8/2018

Anyone tried Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

bunnybear | @bunnybear | Feb 24, 2023

My condition was degenerative disc disease, pudental nerve compression, and bad arthritis that affected my left buttock only and causes bad pain when sitting. For years they thought I must have sacroiliac joint compression on a nerve, but none of the treatment for that worked.

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bdx | @bdx | Feb 26, 2023

Has anyone tried or know anyone who has tried a Sprint SCS? Instead of leads implanted along the spinal cord, 2 wires are inserted into the muscles for stimulation. The battery pack is taped to the outside, not implanted, and can be disconnected. The wires are removed after 60 days. The procedure can be repeated. Much less invasive than traditional SCS systems. The stimulation is intended to cause the muscles to contract and gain strength, for chronic back pain where the muscles have atrophied.
Thank you!

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finny4606 | @finny4606 | Feb 27, 2023
In reply to @berniep "My spinal surgeon who implanted my Boston Scientific device told me that it would help alleviate..." + (show)
@berniep

My spinal surgeon who implanted my Boston Scientific device told me that it would help alleviate pain but not the numbness/tingling sensations. I also had the trial and it seemed to help significantly with my Morton's neuroma pain allowing me to walk in shoes on a hard surface. When I had the permanent unit implanted, it did not perform the same and has been a disappointment after trying many different programs, I was warned about the Nerve device which is why I went with the Boston Scientific device.

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I had a NEVRO spinal cord stimulator implanted 13 months ago, and it never relieved my leg pain, and I’ve tried all the settings. Also, the leads migrated twice, once requiring surgery. I am really disappointed that it didn’t work.

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martyk | @martyk | Feb 28, 2023
In reply to @laylabug "Fred, I've just joined this group so that's why my comment is so long in the..." + (show)
@laylabug

Fred, I've just joined this group so that's why my comment is so long in the coming. I had the Spinal Cord Neuromodulator put in between my T8-T9 Spine for several reasons. My neuropathy in my legs and feet was intolerable, and I have a bulging L5 laying on my L1-L4, of which wasn't allowing me to walk much without serious pain and difficulty. Since I needed relief from the L5 down to my toes, they had to shave bone from between the T8-T9 in order to fit in the full paddle and not just wires. This was done in October '16 and I cannot begin to tell you how much relief I get from this implant. Basically, it gave me my life back, I was able to ween off of all my pain medications and even the Gabbapentin (nerve ending medications). I'm living once again and am about to return to work since 2002.

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Hi,laylabug, what sps (spinal cord stimulator) did you use? i.e. Nevro, Abbott, Boston Scirntific. Thanks, Marty

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martyk | @martyk | Feb 28, 2023
In reply to @barbbie "I had my first SCS implanted at age 68 and an updated version just last July..." + (show)
@barbbie

I had my first SCS implanted at age 68 and an updated version just last July at age 74. I am loaded with Degenerative Disc Disease, small fiber neuropathy, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in both feet and left knee. I consider myself fairly active despite my conditions. If it ever stops raining in the northeast I look forward to gardening. I am doing more in containers than the ground as it is easier on me. My husband has dementia and I care for him at home. My 15 year old granddaughter keeps me on the go when she comes. I will admit to using a power chair in the house simply because of the painful feet. I just had a sural nerve injection to calm down the pain in one foot with another scheduled for my other foot. I am fortunate to have a superior pain management doctor.

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Is the SCS working? Which one did you have implanted? i.e. Boston Scientific, Abbott, Nevro etc. I am 75 yo.
Thanks, Marty

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camil1957 | @camil1957 | Feb 28, 2023
In reply to @bunnybear "I just finished the trial a few days ago. It helped SO much. I can hardly..." + (show)
@bunnybear

I just finished the trial a few days ago. It helped SO much. I can hardly wait for my 2 week waiting period to be over so that I can get the permanent stimulator in. It made me feel like I was getting my life back! This is from someone who hesitated to get it for years.

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I also had the trial stimulator put in a year and a half ago. It was wonderful. No more pain and I was walking faster and no longer bent over. So I had the permanent stimulator (Abbott) put in a couple of weeks later and after all this time we are still working on it and my pain is still strong with no relief.

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bunnybear | @bunnybear | Feb 28, 2023
In reply to @camil1957 "I also had the trial stimulator put in a year and a half ago. It was..." + (show)
@camil1957

I also had the trial stimulator put in a year and a half ago. It was wonderful. No more pain and I was walking faster and no longer bent over. So I had the permanent stimulator (Abbott) put in a couple of weeks later and after all this time we are still working on it and my pain is still strong with no relief.

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I am So sorry. Did the doctor have any explanation? I just wonder if a second look by another practitioner might be in order? Maybe Mayo clinic?

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carolann1952 | @carolann1952 | Mar 2, 2023

I have new Abbott nerve root stimulator put in 10 days ago. No significant relief yet but I'm increasing power very slowly as directed. Trial back in early November gave me significant relief.

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tyyne21wigwam | @tyyne21wigwam | Mar 2, 2023

I am interested in your results. After 30 epidurals and a 4-5 fusion , ten years of pain this was very much advised by a pain specialist. At 82 age I decided not to do it.

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rick60626 | @rick60626 | Mar 3, 2023
In reply to @carolann1952 "I have new Abbott nerve root stimulator put in 10 days ago. No significant relief yet..." + (show)
@carolann1952

I have new Abbott nerve root stimulator put in 10 days ago. No significant relief yet but I'm increasing power very slowly as directed. Trial back in early November gave me significant relief.

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I've had the Abbott device for a few months now, and found it provides a moderate (and very welcome) amount of relief. I found though, that with less pain I've noticed the numbness more--my legs feel heavier; this is minor compared to the pain I was experiencing, however.

Keep adjusting--you'll find the right setting. Ideally, the device will just become almost unnoticeable.

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