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Spinal Cord Stimulation for chronic back pain

Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 14 9:31am | Replies (53)

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@ahl

I had my first stimulator about 5 years ago with a company that subsequently went out of business. I replaced it with a Medtronic stimulator in September 2021. I’ve had mixed success finding the right “program” , even so, have found some relief from debilitating lower back pain. I still combine that therapy with a very low dose pain prescription. The stimulator does not work for everyone and rarely means 100% relief but I would recommend giving it a try. Even 50% relief or less can make a tremendous difference to your life.

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Replies to "I had my first stimulator about 5 years ago with a company that subsequently went out..."

With a SCS, the trial will give you an idea of how much pain relief you could get. The trial is a relatively simple process that takes place in the doctor's office. The trial electrode is placed in the intrathecal space temporarily. The battery is taped to your back and worn for 3 to 5 days. I got about 70% pain reduction. I went ahead with the permanent implant. Only about 50% pain reduction. But, with my pain meds, I was able to function almost normally. My Medtronics lasted about3 years.