Question 1

i have a spinal cord stimulator trial for crps type 1 on thursday, my question is will i be able to sleep on my back or curl in a ball while i sleep?

Accepted Answer

Spinal stim: Please call the office of the doc who put in the trial stim and ask.  Each case is different.  I hope that the trial goes well and that if you get a permanent one it will be helpful. Consider the mind-body work of John Sarno, MD, as well.  Just search the net.  Peace and good health.

Question 2

has anyone got experience with ketamine infusions for crps i & chronic daily migriane? found one doc that does it and was quoted $30,000. thats a lot of $ and she said it isnt guaranteed to work. have done rfa, spinal stimulator, + many meds?

Accepted Answer

Keep calling: Since ketamine infusions are considered ‘experimental’ by insurance companies, you would be required to pay for infusions. While 30k sounds very high, I wonder if it includes multiple treatments. Get other cost estimates, but compare what you are buying. Typical,infusions are by an anesthesiologist while  you are connected to monitoring equipment for safety. We had good success for our patients.

Question 3

can a spinal cord stimulator be used to treat musculoskeletal pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A spinal cord stimulator can often be very helpful for musculoskeletal pain.

Question 4

is a dynatron sts machine available with an already implanted spinal cord stimulator?

Accepted Answer

Confused: Are you asking is you can use the dynatron if you have a scs?
You can use it, but i would turn the scs off while using the dynatron.  The dynatron is used to treat sympathetic pain (like the scs).
I would question why you needed it however, as it seems to me to be a duplication of therapy.

Question 5

medtronic or boston scientific for spinal cord stimulator? just curious, not considering yet.

Accepted Answer

Chronic pain: Both stimulators work by the gate control theory of pain. Stimulating the sensory fibers blocks the pain fibers. A trial of spinal cord stimulation is performed first. If the pain is significantly reduced then a permanent stimulator is placed. Some stimulators are now MRI compatible. Discuss with your physician which system is best for you.

Question 6

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

Question 7

what are your opinions on the spinal cord stimulator? my pain management dr is forcing me to get it and i just don't think it's gonna work.

Accepted Answer

Second opinion: Nobody should "force" patients to have procedures done. It might be a good idea, however a second opinion of an expert would be something to consider.

Question 8

had fusion surgery in jan 2010 and then 2011 a spinal cord stimulator now the disk above my fusion is bothering me what could it be in a lot of pain?

Accepted Answer

Spin Cord Stimulator: Spinal cord stimulation (scs) has been shown to be effective in about half of the patients so fitted (read this===>http://www.Webmd.Com/back-pain/spinal-cord-stimulation-for-low-back-pain). They tend to show diminished pain relief, though, over time. The new pain may be due to a new herniated disk. I would make an appointment with your back surgeon and discuss next steps.

Question 9

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 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

Spinal cord stimulator crps

A member asked:

I have a spinal cord stimulator trial for crps type 1 on thursday, my question is will i be able to sleep on my back or curl in a ball while i sleep?

A member asked:

Has anyone got experience with ketamine infusions for crps i & chronic daily migriane? found one doc that does it and was quoted $30,000. thats a lot of $ and she said it isnt guaranteed to work. have done rfa, spinal stimulator, + many meds?

A member asked:

Can a spinal cord stimulator be used to treat musculoskeletal pain?

A member asked:

Is a dynatron sts machine available with an already implanted spinal cord stimulator?

A member asked:

Medtronic or boston scientific for spinal cord stimulator? just curious, not considering yet.

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

What are your opinions on the spinal cord stimulator? my pain management dr is forcing me to get it and i just don't think it's gonna work.

A member asked:

Had fusion surgery in jan 2010 and then 2011 a spinal cord stimulator now the disk above my fusion is bothering me what could it be in a lot of pain?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

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

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