A patient should refrain from lifting, bending, twisting and stretching during the healing process, which can take 6 to 8 weeks. Pain from SCS implantation is treated with prescription medication and/or over-the-counter painkillers. Recovery from the Spinal-Cord-Stimulation Implantation Process The procedure takes 3 or 4 hours, and the patient usually goes home on the same day. Incisions are closed with either staples or sutures. An extension wire is run from the spine to whichever area the generator is placed in. To implant the pulse generator, an incision is made in the buttocks or abdomen, and the generator is placed between layers of skin and muscle. Exact placement depends on the area of pain. To implant the stimulator, an incision is made in the patient's back the wires with electrodes on the end are fed through and positioned on the spinal cord. Implantation of a spinal cord stimulator is a two-step process that involves first implanting the stimulator, and then a pulse generator to power it. The Spinal-Cord-Stimulation Implantation Process It is an option only for those who have tried, but been unsuccessful with, conservative treatments will likely not be helped by surgery are not addicted to drugs have been psychologically evaluated do not have pacemakers and have undergone trials with an external spinal-cord stimulator. Before implantation, a patient is asked to go through a trial period with an external device this allows pain levels to be evaluated, and determine whether they decrease when the device is used. SCS does not cure chronic pain, but usually lessens it by 50 percent and more by replacing a patient's feeling of pain with a tingling sensation. The device, called a "spinal cord stimulator" or "dorsal column stimulator," sends electrical impulses through wires/electrodes placed near the spinal cord the impulses block pain signals from reaching the brain. The procedure is usually safe, but may be associated with certain risks including change in electrode position, breakage, battery failure, bleeding, infection and development of tolerance.ĭorsal column stimulators do not treat the underlying cause of pain, but with its use, the intensity, frequency and duration of pain are usually reduced, lowering the need for pain medication and sometimes surgery.Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) typically involves implanting an electronic device in the body to help relieve chronic back and leg pain. What are the Associated Risks and Complications of Dorsal Column Stimulator? Electrical impulses are generated at the pulse generator by remote control and are transmitted to the electrodes. The remaining components are connected externally.
![dorsal spinal column stimulator dorsal spinal column stimulator](https://www.tusharpatelmd.com/3d-images/spinal-cord-stimulation.jpg)
This is done either surgically or through the skin under radiographic guidance. Depending on the location of your pain, the electrodes are placed in the neck, upper or lower back region of the spinal cord. How is the Procedure of Dorsal Column Stimulator Performed?Ī dorsal column stimulator consists of electrodes, a battery-operated pulse generator, a remote control device and connecting wires. DCS acts either by blocking the pain impulse pathway or by stimulating the production of endorphins (chemical substances produced by the body that decrease the sensation of pain). It is used to treat chronic disabling pain such as failed back surgery syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome, which show little or no improvement with other treatments such as medication or surgery. The dorsal column stimulator (DCS) or spinal column stimulator is a device that relieves chronic pain associated with spinal nerves through electrical stimulation.