Question 1

how well does a spinal cord stimulator work?

Accepted Answer

Depends: They can work very well in the properly selected patient, who has failed most other conservative measures and doesn't have any psychosocial or secondary gain issues.  A trial is done first to make sure it helps before implanting one.

Question 2

what are the pros and cons of a spinal cord stimulator?

Accepted Answer

Limitations: Pros are your pain significantly will be improved and life will be better because pain under better control.  The procedure is also totally reversible.  Limitations of the device include inability to obtain an MRI scan, which could be an issue if you have diseases requiring MRI scan.  There is likelihood that future technology will include MRI compatible spinal cord stimulators.

Question 3

how much does a spinal cord stimulator restrict activity?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It would depend more on why the spinal cord stimulator is needed, than the stimulator itself. 
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Question 4

how often does the spinal cord stimulator have to be replaced?

Accepted Answer

That depends on : Several factors: the device manufacturer, the size and type of battery,  how often it is on and to what intensity or strength that it is utilized.  It is hard to give a general answer because of all these factors. Typically , one is expecting several years on average.

Question 5

what risks and benefits are expected with a spinal cord stimulator?

Accepted Answer

Infection, bleeding : And in many cases you can never have an MRI study again.  This to me is the main problem.  Patients have many problems which can only be detected by mri.  They are given the stimulator to control a minor bladder problem but then if they have a stroke they cannot get an mri.  This is a severe consequence which is never well explained to patients.

Question 6

can someone with a spinal cord stimulator still go spinning (cycling)?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on the reason for the stimulator. If you are able to walk or run, then spinning is likely to be OK too. Ask your doctor who knows you!

Question 7

what is the recovery time after having a spinal cord stimulator battery replaced.

Accepted Answer

Ask the Corp: The company who provide the device and certify the physicians are the best people to ask. They will have to answer to you if they are incorrect and they have specific experience with this procedure.  Hope it goes well.

Question 8

can a spinal cord stimulator cause pinched nerve ?

Accepted Answer

If: Placed correctly should help with pinched nerve, sometimes they migrate (leads) go have them checked.

Question 9

can a person with a spinal cord stimulator become tolerant and not receive benefits in the long run?

Accepted Answer

SCS: Although you have a scs - tolerance to its effects can be seen. This is more with older designed systems. The newer ones that are designed now days(boston scientific) result in less tolerance. One has to rule out new pathology as a reason.

Question 10

is trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tens) the same thing as a spinal cord stimulator? differences?

Accepted Answer

Nope: Spinal cord simulator is surgically implanted.  The TENS unit is worn and can be removed and easily adjusted by you or a physical therapist. This picture is of  a typical TENS unit with its simulator, leads and adhesive electodes

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Medtronic spinal cord stimulator problems

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How well does a spinal cord stimulator work?

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What are the pros and cons of a spinal cord stimulator?

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How much does a spinal cord stimulator restrict activity?

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How often does the spinal cord stimulator have to be replaced?

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What risks and benefits are expected with a spinal cord stimulator?

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Can someone with a spinal cord stimulator still go spinning (cycling)?

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What is the recovery time after having a spinal cord stimulator battery replaced.

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Can a spinal cord stimulator cause pinched nerve ?

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Can a person with a spinal cord stimulator become tolerant and not receive benefits in the long run?

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Is trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tens) the same thing as a spinal cord stimulator? differences?

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