As a rule of thumb, surgeons aim for at least a 50% reduction in pain when initially implanting a spinal cord stimulator, but there’s no objective way to gauge pain levels. “The most common reason for spinal cord stimulator removal is inadequate pain relief,” says Anderson. Spinal cord stimulator removal is a surgical procedure to take out a spinal cord stimulator, a device that was originally implanted above the spinal cord to manage chronic pain. Anderson, who specializes in functional neurosurgery including neuromodulation techniques, discusses why some patients choose later to reverse the procedure. You can also request an appointment while you’re here on our website.While some people with chronic pain enjoy enormous benefit from spinal cord stimulation, these devices don't work out for everyone. If you’re tired of dealing with chronic pain in your back or legs, don’t hesitate to call one of our offices in Portland or Wilsonville, Oregon, to schedule a consultation. If used properly, spinal cord stimulation significantly decreases many cases of chronic back, leg, or neck pain. Kellogg helps you decide if this is a treatment route you’re willing to take. This could cause an infection at the site of implantation, which could cause an infection in your spine. It also isn’t advised to have a spinal cord stimulator if you’re suffering from a systemic infection in your body. Some of the reasons that spinal cord stimulation may be contraindicated include: Contraindications for spinal cord stimulationĪlthough spinal cord stimulation is a great option for many cases of chronic spine pain, there are limits when it comes to this form of treatment. If not relieved by other treatments, spinal cord stimulation is a great option for neck pain and arm pain. Neck painĬhronic neck pain is another condition that leads to intractable pain and sometimes nerve problems in your arms. Kellogg often recommends spinal cord stimulation to get your pain under control. Sometimes, your symptoms aren’t relieved after undergoing spine surgery. Although it’s a very thin membrane, inflammation of the arachnoid leads to severe pain. This is a painful inflammation of the lining of your brain and spinal cord, called the arachnoid. It’s a nerve condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and other uncomfortable symptoms in your legs or arms. This condition often happens in diabetics, but can occur for a number of other reasons, too. Traditionally, it’s hard to treat, but spinal cord stimulation has the ability to reduce the pain brought on by this condition. This is a chronic condition that causes pain and swelling all over your body. This includes back pain accompanied by leg pain, or back pain alone. If you suffer from intractable back pain that hasn’t been successfully relieved with other treatments, a spinal cord stimulator can help. Kellogg evaluates your pain and recommends spinal cord stimulation for the following conditions: 1. Spinal cord stimulation is an excellent treatment avenue for a number of issues that cause pain in your spine. 6 indications for spinal cord stimulation Although spinal cord stimulators are implanted, they can be removed if needed. The remote allows you to turn on the impulses and control the intensity of the stimulation.

The stimulator is operated with a remote control that you carry with you. The electrodes are connected to the generator, which allows them to produce the electrical impulses.

The electrodes are tunneled into the epidural space of your spine, which is between your spinal cord and vertebrae. The spinal cord stimulator consists of a generator, or battery, and electrodes. There are many different brands of spinal cord stimulators, but most produce a slight tingling sensation, or paresthesia, in the treatment area. What is a spinal cord stimulator?Ī spinal cord stimulator is a device that’s implanted in your epidural space that sends tiny electrical impulses to your spinal cord to relieve pain. Kellogg has years of experience treating chronic back and neck pain with spinal cord stimulation. Kellogg and his team offer state-of-the-art treatments for both brain and spine conditions. However, a spinal cord stimulator is a great option for permanent pain relief in some cases.Īt Kellogg Brain and Spine, Dr. Medications and physical therapy are both options, but they don’t always reduce your pain to a comfortable level. When you have chronic pain in your back or neck, finding a treatment that works may seem impossible.