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Spinal cord stimulator physical limitations (post recovery period)

Posted by geo2112 @geo2112, Jul 6, 2023

After recovery period of spinal cord stimulator implanted; what physical activity limitations? Had S1-L5 fused at 16 years old, C5-C6 fused at 45 years old, and L5-L3 at 55 years old but have always recovered well and maintained physical activity like weight lifting, cycling, and kayaking. Now 61 years old and having chronic pain in lumbar area. Going to have spinal cord stimulator implanted; will my physical activities be limited once installed and recovered?

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vincescs | @vincescs | Jul 9, 2023
In reply to @alexis7 "Thank you so much for posting this. I've paused my permanent implant (approve 2 weeks ago)..." + (show)
@alexis7

Thank you so much for posting this. I've paused my permanent implant (approve 2 weeks ago) because of all the migration talk. I was told I could play pickleball again (I was pretty competitive) but if golf is on the short list, I'm thinking not. If I can just ride my motorcycle again I'll be happy. Thank you again for sharing your positive experience.

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I wouldn't necessarily rule out pickleball. I assume the whiplike action of driving a golf ball is probably more severe than what you experience in pickleball, but I've never played. Talk to your doctor and the device rep.

I have a Medtronic unit for my neck and the documentation says no golfing. I have an Abbott unit for my low back and the device rep said she has patients who golf. So, any activity restrictions might be device, placement, or patient specific.

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geo2112 | @geo2112 | Jul 9, 2023
In reply to @vincescs "I have had a spinal cord stimulator for more than 8 years. I was concerned about..." + (show)
@vincescs

I have had a spinal cord stimulator for more than 8 years. I was concerned about possible activity limitations before the implant, but my doctor said the goal was to restore me to better health so that I could be more active. And it's worked out very well for me. I'm able to swim, lift weights, work on my antique car, ride a motorcycle, do home improvement projects, etc.

With that said, there will be some activity limitations to prevent lead migration or fracture. A short list might include riding roller coasters, bungee jumping, golfing, or scuba diving below 10 meters. I don't do any of those things anyway, so I have no regrets about having the stimulator implanted.

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Thanks @vincescs , I forgot to mention the Harley that is getting dusty in my garage from me not riding it. That is something on my to do list.

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