A 39-year-old member asked:
could anybody have a spinal stimulator?
3 doctor answers
Dr. Jefferson Chen answered
33 years experience Neurosurgery
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.
Answered on Jun 30, 2018
Dr. Ken Yonemura answered
36 years experience Neurosurgery
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.
Answered on Jun 11, 2017
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Dr. Qamar Khan answered
16 years experience Pain Management
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.
Answered on Jun 30, 2018
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A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Paul Slosar answered
32 years experience Orthopedic Surgery
Pain blockade: A stimulator can be implanted in the spine to block nerve damage pain. It requires a complex evaluation and trial before being implanted surgically.
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A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. David Bozak answered
Specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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 seconda ... Read More
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A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Qamar Khan answered
16 years experience Pain Management
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 ... Read More
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A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Gurmukh Singh answered
48 years experience Pathology
Depends: It would depend more on why the spinal cord stimulator is needed, than the stimulator itself.
Wish you good health! - Have a diet rich in fresh veget ... Read More
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