Pain Procedures

SCS Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant

Suffering from Chronic Pain? We Can Help! At Bay State Pain Associates, Our Expert Doctor Offer Proven Pain Management Solutions for Patients in West Bridgewater, Norfolk, MA, and All Surrounding Areas. 

Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) is an exciting treatment option for patients who suffer from chronic back pain. SCS is a minimally invasive surgery that offers an option for patients whose back or neck pain isn’t fully managed from other treatments, such as opioids or other medications.

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Spinal Implant
Spinal Implant

Patients who come to Bay State Pain Associates with neck and back problems are given a rapid review of their medical condition within a few days, not weeks. It’s a treatment process called Priority Consult.

Nearly 80 percent of our spine patients are able to recover with nonsurgical treatment. But when physical therapy, medications, and spinal injections fail to relieve neck or back pain, we help patients with surgery.

We surgically implant more than 250 spinal cord stimulators each year for a wide range of conditions, including chronic back pain, amputated stump pain, and complex regional pain syndrome.

SCS : Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant is the most common mode of neuromodulation used in managing chronic low back pain. It is minimally invasive and reversible. Spinal cord stimulation is a pain relief technique that delivers a low-voltage electrical current continuously to the spinal cord to block the sensation of pain. SCS is the most commonly used implantable neurostimulation technology for management of pain syndromes.

 

This treatment is an effective alternative to opioid medication and traditional chronic pain therapies. SCS Therapy directs mild electrical pulses that modify or block nerve activity in a non-medicinal way to minimize the sensation of pain reaching the brain. This stimulation has similarities to a cardiac pacemaker, leading some to call the device a pacemaker for pain.

 

Spinal Cord Stimulator provides medication-free, ongoing pain management and control with a relatively minor, minimally-invasive surgical procedure. Instead of taking a medication that affects the whole body and causes sleepiness, constipation, or other problems unrelated to the pain, spinal cord stimulation delivers pain relief only where it is needed. This therapy is also completely reversible. If you decide at any time to discontinue the therapy, the wires and generator can be removed without permanent damage to the spine.

About Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) 

SCS therapy can help manage chronic pain — even when other therapies have failed.  SCS therapy is:

  • A non-drug therapy option that has been proven safe and effective
  • FDA-approved for adults with chronic pain of the trunk and/or lower limbs
  • Covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and most workers’ compensation programs
  • Relied on by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to help manage chronic pain

What is the procedure like?

The procedure, usually one to two hours, involves several steps:

  • You’ll undergo light sedation and a local anesthetic will be applied to the incision area
  • The leads are placed along your spinal cord
  • The leads are connected to the stimulator
  • The stimulator is implanted under your skin (usually the buttock area)
  • The doctor closes up the incisions and you’ll move to a recovery area where you’ll rest until you’re well enough to go home
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive instructions on postoperative care and how to use the remote control to adjust your therapy

Stimulation does not eliminate the source of pain, it simply interferes with the signal to the brain, and so the amount of pain relief varies for each person. Also, some patients find the tingling sensation unpleasant. For these reasons a trial stimulation is performed before the device is permanently implanted. The goal for spinal cord stimulation is a 50-70% reduction in pain. However, even a small amount of pain reduction can be significant if it helps you to perform your daily activities with less pain and reduces the amount of pain medication you take. Stimulation does not work for everyone. If unsuccessful, the implant can be removed and does not damage the spinal cord or nerves.

Some SCS devices use a low-frequency current to replace the pain sensation with a mild tingling feeling called paresthesia. Other SCS devices use high-frequency or burst pulses to mask the pain with no tingling feeling. A paresthesia-free setting is an option on most devices.

Stimulation does not eliminate the source of pain. It simply changes the way the brain perceives it. As a result, the amount of pain relief varies for each person. The goal for SCS is a 50 to 70% reduction in pain. However, even a small amount of pain reduction can be significant if it helps you perform daily activities and reduces the amount of pain medication you take. SCS does not improve muscle strength.

Stimulation does not work for everyone. Some people may find the sensation unpleasant. Other people may not get relief over the entire pain area. For these reasons a trial stimulation allows you to try it for a week. If it doesn’t work for you, the trial wires can be removed, leaving no damage to the spinal cord or nerves.

There are several types of SCS device systems. However, all have three main parts:

  • A pulse generator with a battery that creates the electrical pulses.
  • A lead wire with a number of electrodes (8-32) that delivers electrical pulses to the spinal cord.
  • A hand-held remote control that turns the device on and off and adjusts the settings.

Systems with a non-rechargeable battery need to be surgically replaced every 2 to 5 years, depending on the frequency of use. Rechargeable battery systems may last 8 to 10 years or longer, but you must remember to charge the system daily.

The pulse generator has programmable settings. Some SCS devices are able to sense a change in body position (sitting vs. lying down) and adapt the stimulation level to your activity. Other systems have leads that can be independently programmed to cover multiple pain areas. Some send a sub-perception pulse with no tingling. Your doctor will select the best type of system for you.

A spinal cord stimulator works by masking pain signals before they reach the brain. A stimulator device delivers electric pulses to electrodes placed over the spinal cord. Modified by the pulses, the pain signals are either not perceived or are replaced by a tingling feeling.

SCS
Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant

How SCS Works

While SCS is leading-edge technology, it’s actually not as complicated as it seems. Your nerves and brain are constantly communicating with each other. And when you feel pain, it’s because those nerves are sending a pain signal to your brain. That’s where SCS therapy comes in — SCS is designed to interrupt these signals so you don’t perceive them as pain.

What defines SCS success?

SCS is generally considered effective:

  • If your pain is reduced by at least 50%
  • If you are able to get back to your daily activities
  • If your need for pain medication is reduced
  • If you’re able to relax and sleep better

 

  • 1 PAIN SIGNALS

Pain signals travel along nerve fibers through the spinal cord to the brain

  • 2 SCS IMPULSES

    A small implantable pulse generator (IPG) and tiny medical leads are implanted into the body.

  • 3 IPG AND LEADS

    Directed by an external remote control, electrical impulses are generated by the IPG.

  • 4 TINGLING SENSATIONS (PARESTHESIA) TO BRAIN

    These impulses mask pain signals as they travel to the brain — where they’re perceived as a gentle, tingling feeling called paresthesia.

Who performs the procedure?

Neurosurgeons and doctors who specialize in pain management (an anesthesiologist or physiatrist) implant spinal cord stimulators.

The surgical decision

Determining whether a spinal cord stimulator will be a good option for you is a two-step process. First, you must undergo a temporary trial to see if the device decreases your level of pain.

Stage 1. Trial “test drive”
Trial stimulation is a “test drive” to determine if an SCS will work for the type, location, and severity of your pain. It is performed at an outpatient center.

If you take blood-thinners, you are required to stop the medication 3 to 7 days prior to the trial.

A local anesthetic is given to numb the area in the lower back. Using X-ray fluoroscopy, a hollow needle is inserted through the skin into the epidural space between the bone and spinal cord. The trial lead is inserted and positioned over specific nerves. The wires are attached to an exter­nal generator worn on a belt (Fig. 2).

You will be sent home with instructions on how to use the trial stimulator and care for your incision site. Keep a written log of the stimulation settings during different activities and the level of pain relief. After 4 to 7 days, you will return to the doctor’s office to discuss permanently implanting the stimulator or removing the trial leads.

Stage 2. Surgical implant 

If the trial is successful and you felt greater than 50% improvement in pain, surgery can be scheduled to implant the SCS device in your body. 

SCS

During a Trial SCS, temporary leads are placed in the spinal canal and a stimulator is worn on a belt. For several days you will test the device to see if it relieves your pain during various activities.

What happens before surgery?

You may be scheduled for presurgical tests (e.g., blood test, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray) several days before surgery. In the doctor’s office, you will sign consent and other forms so that the surgeon knows your medical history (allergies, medicines/vitamins, bleeding history, anesthesia reactions, previous surgeries). Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications (over-the-counter, prescription, herbal supplements) that you are taking.

Stop taking all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (Naprosyn, Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Aleve, etc.) and blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, etc.) 1 to 2 weeks before surgery as directed by the doctor. In addition, stop smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol 1 week before and 2 weeks after surgery, because these activities can cause bleeding problems. No food or drink is permitted past midnight the night before surgery.

Morning of surgery

  • Shower using antibacterial soap. Dress in freshly washed, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear flat-heeled shoes with closed backs.
  • If you have instructions to take regular medication the morning of surgery, do so with small sips of water.
  • Remove make-up, hairpins, contacts, body piercings, nail polish, etc.
  • Leave all valuables and jewelry at home (including wedding bands).
  • Bring a list of medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements) with dosages and the times of day usually taken.
  • Bring a list of allergies to medication or foods.

Arrive at the hospital 2 hours before your scheduled surgery time (1 hour before at the outpatient surgery center) to complete the necessary paperwork and pre-procedure work-ups. An anesthesiologist will talk with you and explain the effects of anesthesia and its risks. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your arm.

 

What happens during surgery?

The surgery generally takes 1 to 2 hours.

 

Step 1: prepare the patient 
You will lie on your stomach on the table and be given light anesthesia. Next, the areas of your back and buttock are prepped where the leads and generator are to be placed.


Step 2: place the leads 
The electrode leads are inserted with the aid of fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray). A small skin incision is made in the middle of your back , and the bony vertebra is exposed.

A portion of the bony arch is removed (laminotomy) to allow room to place the leads. The leads are positioned in the epidural space above the spinal cord and secured with sutures. The leads do not directly touch your spinal cord.

 

Step 3: test stimulation (optional)
Depending on the SCS device being implanted, you may be awakened to help the doctor test how well the stimulation covers your pain areas. However, modern SCS device leads can be positioned based on anatomy or electric monitoring of the nerves. Settings from the trial will be used to program the pulse generator at the end of surgery, so your feedback is important to ensure the best pain relief.

In some cases, if the leads implanted during the trial are positioned perfectly, there is no need to reposition or insert new leads.

 

Step 4. tunnel the wire
Once the lead elecrodes are in place, the wire is passed under the skin from the spine to the buttock, where the generator will be implanted.

Step 5. place the pulse generator
A small skin incision is made below the waistline. The surgeon creates a pocket for the generator beneath the skin (Fig. 5). The lead wire is attached to the pulse generator. The generator is then correctly positioned within the skin pocket.

 

Step 6. close the incisions 
The incisions are closed with sutures and skin glue. A dressing is applied.

scs 2
scs 3
scs 4
scs 5

What happens after surgery?

You will wake up in the recovery area. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration will be monitored, and your pain will be addressed. Most patients are discharged home the same day or the following morning. The pulse generator will be programmed before you leave. You will be given written instructions to follow when you go home.

Discharge instructions for first 2 weeks

Restrictions

  • Do not bend, lift, twist your back or reach overhead for the next 6 weeks. This is to prevent the leads from moving out of place until it heals.
  • Don’t lift anything heavier than 5 pounds.
  • No strenuous activity including yard work, housework and sex.
  • Don’t drive until your follow-up appointment.
  • Don’t drink alcohol. It thins the blood and increases the risk of bleeding. Also, don’t mix alcohol with pain medicines.

Incision Care

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after cleaning your incision to prevent infection.
  • You may shower the day after surgery.
  • Gently wash the incision covered in Dermabond skin glue with soap and water every day. Don’t rub or pick at the glue. Pat dry.
  • Don’t soak the incision in a bath, pool or tub.
  • Don’t apply lotions or ointments on the incision.
  • If there is drainage, cover the incision with a dry gauze dressing. If drainage soaks through two or more dressings in a day, call the office.
  • Some clear, pinkish drainage from the incision is normal. Watch for increased volume of drainage or spreading redness. An infected incision may have colored drainage and begin to separate.

Medications

  • Take pain medication as directed by your surgeon. Reduce the amount and frequency as your pain subsides. If you don’t need the pain medicine, don’t take it.
  • Narcotics can cause constipation. Drink lots of water and eat high-fiber foods. Stool softeners and laxatives can help move the bowels. Colace, Senokot, Dulcolax, and Miralax are over-the-counter options.

Managing pain

  • Ice your incision 3-4 times per day for 15-20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Don’t sit or lie in one position longer than an hour unless you are sleeping. Stiffness leads to more pain.  
  • Spinal headaches may be caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid around the lead site. The leak often heals on it’s own. Lie flat and drink plenty of caffeinated non-carbonated fluids (tea, coffee).

Activity

  • Get up and walk 5-10 minutes every 3-4 hours. Gradually increase your walking time, as you are able. 

Who is a candidate?

An evaluation of your physical condition, medication regime, and pain history will determine whether your goals of pain management are appropriate for SCS. A neurosurgeon, physiatrist, or pain specialist will review all previous treatments and surgeries. Because chronic pain also has emotional effects, a psychologist will assess your condition to maximize the probability of a successful outcome.

Patients selected for SCS usually have had chronic debilitating pain for more than 3 months in the lower back, leg (sciatica), or arm. They also typically have had one or more spinal surgeries.

You may be a candidate for SCS if :

  • Conservative therapies have failed.
  • You would not benefit from additional surgery.
  • The pain is caused by a correctable problem and should be fixed.
  • You do not want further surgery because of the risks or long recovery. Sometimes SCS may be chosen over a large, complex spine surgery.
  • You do not have untreated depression or drug addiction; these should be treated prior to having a SCS.
  • You have no medical conditions that would keep you from undergoing implantation.
  • You have had a successful SCS trial.

SCS works better in the earlier stages of a chronic condition, before a cycle of pain-suffering-disability-pain is established.

An SCS can help lessen chronic pain caused by:

  • Chronic leg (sciatica) or arm pain: ongoing, persistent pain caused by arthritis, spinal stenosis, or by nerve damage.
  • Failed back surgery syndrome: failure of one or more surgeries to relieve persistent arm or leg pain, but not a technical failure of the original procedure.
  • Complex regional pain syndrome: a progressive disease in which patients feel constant, chronic burning pain, typically in the foot or hand.
  • Arachnoiditis: painful inflammation and scarring of the protective lining of the spinal nerves.
  • Other: stump pain, angina, peripheral vascular disease, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury.

Common Questions about Spinal Cord Stimulator

  • Soreness and bruising where needle was injected
  • Potential infection at the injection point
  • Allergic reaction
  • Battery failure and/or battery leakage which will require further surgery to remove and replace
  • Weakness, numbness, clumsiness and/or paralysis
spinal-cord-stimulation

When to call your doctor

Your healthcare team will give you specifics about when you should call them. In general, call your doctor if you:

  • Experience pain around the implant for more than two weeks
  • Notice a lot of redness around the wound areas (your doctor should be aware so he or she can check for infection or, in rare cases, a reaction to the implant)
  • Fever over 101.5° F (unrelieved by Tylenol)
  • Unrelieved nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe unrelieved pain.
  • Signs of incision infection.
  • Rash or itching at the incision (allergy to Dermabond skin glue).
  • Swelling and tenderness in the calf of one leg (sign of a blood clot).
  • New onset of tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
  • Dizziness, confusion, nausea or excessive sleepiness.
  • Fluid may accumulate under the skin around the leads or the device, creating a visible swelling (seroma). Call the doctor if this occurs.
  • Sudden severe back pain, sudden onset of leg weakness and spasm, loss of bladder and/or bowel function – this is an emergency – go to a hospital and call your surgeon.

Recovery

Approximately 10 days after surgery you will come to the office to have the incision checked. Bring your device remote and product box to your follow-up appointment with the surgeon. Programming of the pulse generator can be adjusted at this time if needed. It is important to work with your doctor to adjust your medications and refine the programming of the stimulator.

Your pain specialist and device representative will work with you to fine-tune adjustments to the SCS.

What are the results?

The results of SCS depend on careful patient selection, successful trial stimulation, proper surgical technique, and patient education. Stimulation does not cure the condition that is causing pain. Rather, it helps patients manage the pain. SCS is considered successful if pain is reduced by at least half.

Published studies of spinal cord stimulation show good to excellent long-term relief in 50 to 80% of patients suffering from chronic pain [1-6]. One study reports that 24% of patients improved sufficiently to return to gainful employment or housework with stimulation alone or with the addition of occasional oral pain medication.

SCS therapy is reversible. If a patient decides at any time to discontinue, the electrode wires and generator can all be removed.

What are the risks?

No surgery is without risks. General complications of any surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific complications related to SCS may include:

  • Undesirable changes in stimulation (can possibly be related to cellular changes in tissue around electrodes, changes in electrode position, loose electrical connections, and/or lead failure)
  • Epidural hemorrhage, hematoma, infection, spinal cord compression, and/or paralysis (can be caused by placing a lead in the epidural space during a surgical procedure)
  • Battery failure and/or battery leakage
  • Cerebrospinal fluid leak
  • Persistent pain at the electrode or stimulator site
  • A pocket of clear fluid (seroma) at the implant site. Seromas usually disappear by themselves but may require a drain.
  • Lead migration, which can result in changes in stimulation and reduction in pain relief
  • Allergic response to implant materials
  • Generator migration and/or local skin erosion
  • Paralysis, weakness, clumsiness, numbness, or pain below the level of implantation

Conditions for which you might need additional surgery include movement of the lead, breakage of the lead or extension wire, or (in rare cases) mechanical failure of the device. Reasons for removal of the device include infection and failure to relieve pain.

Sometimes scar tissue develops around the electrode and can make the stimulation less effective.

Living with a stimulator

Once the SCS has been programmed, you are sent home with instructions for regulating the stimulation by controlling the strength and the duration of each stimulation period. Your doctor may alter the pulse width, amplitude, and frequencies on follow-up visits if necessary. 

The pulse generator has programmable settings:

  1. Frequency (rate): number of times stimulation is delivered per second. Too few pulses results in no sensation. Too many results in a washboard or bumpy effect.
  2. Pulse width: the area the stimulation will cover.
  3. Pulse amplitude: determines threshold of perception to pain.

The handheld programmer lets you turn the stimulator on and off, select programs, and adjust the strength of the stimulation. Most people are given multiple programs to achieve the best possible pain relief at any point throughout the day or during specific activities. You can use your spinal cord stimulator around the clock if necessary.

Some people feel differences in stimulation intensity depending on their position (e.g., sitting versus standing). This is caused by variations in the spread of electricity as you change positions and is normal.

Just like a cardiac pacemaker, your stimulator cannot be damaged by devices such as cellular phones, pagers, microwaves, security doors, and anti-theft sensors. Be sure to carry your Implanted Device Identification card when flying, since the device is detected at airport security gates. Department store and airport security gates or theft detectors may cause an increase or decrease in stimulation when you pass through the gate. This sensation is temporary and should not harm your system. However, as a precaution, you should turn off your system before passing through security gates. 

The various SCS systems have different restrictions to their use with MRI, ultrasound, defibrillator, electrocautery, diathermy, and cardiac pacemakers. Be sure to know the limitations of your specific SCS device. Also, chiropractic manipulation may cause the lead to move. Consult your surgeon first. 

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