A 39-year-old member asked:
Could anybody have a spinal stimulator?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jefferson Chenanswered
Neurosurgery 36 years experience
Depends: If you are asking on the indications for a spinal stimulator, the most common is chronic back pain. This may occur after one has had prior surgeries or injuries. The question is whether the spinal stimulator will help with the chronic pain. This is best evaluated by a pain specialist who does an evaluation and test to see if one is a good candidate.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Ken Yonemuraanswered
Neurosurgery 32 years experience
Best for leg pain: Spinal cord stimulation can be very effective for chronic intractable extremity pain but is not as effective for back pain. Temporary electrodes are initially inserted with an external pulse generator and if the leg or arm pain is adequately controlled, a permanent system is then implanted.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Qamar Khananswered
Pain Management 19 years experience
No not everyone: If you have any condition or worried about any condition requiring frequent MRI evaluations, you most likely do not want to get a stimulator now. At this time the leads placed in the spine are not MRI compatible although the battery is. This has the theoretical risk of injuring your spinal cord if your were to have an mri.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 30, 2018
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