Common Spinal Cord Stimulation Side Effects

For people with chronic, severe back pain that has not responded to other types of treatment, spinal cord stimulation can help bring long-lasting pain relief. The procedure for insertion of the stimulator is minimally invasive, and the spinal cord stimulation can be performed whenever needed over an extended period of time.

How it Works

To allow for spinal cord stimulation, a small spinal cord stimulator implant will be placed in your body. First, a trial stimulator will be inserted to ensure that the procedure is successful. If so, a more permanent stimulator will be inserted. 

The stimulator itself will be placed in your abdomen, and leads will go from the abdomen to your spinal canal. The stimulator will release an electrical current, which runs to the spinal cord. The current interferes with the nerve impulses your body sends to communicate pain.

Your doctor will work with you to determine the best pulse and frequency for your stimulation. Most people use their stimulator 3 to 4 times a day.

Potential Side Effects

Spinal cord stimulation has helped many people recover from chronic back pain, but it's not without risk. Potential complications include:

• Infection - May occur if microbes are introduced to the incision site after the implant is placed. Be sure to practice good hygiene around your incision to prevent infection.
• Spinal fluid leak - May occur when the leads are placed in the spinal canal. Your doctor will educate you about signs of this problem.
• Loss of effectiveness - It may be possible for your pain to start to move away from the area reached by the stimulator, or for your body to simply become accustomed to the stimulation, causing a decrease in effectiveness.
• Scar tissue - May develop around the electrode after implantation, or over time.

Your doctor will not recommend this or any treatment unless he or she believes that the benefits outweigh the risks. However, it's important to be fully aware of the potential side effects of any medical procedure, so that you can make the decision with all the available information.

To schedule a consultation about whether spinal cord stimulation is right for you, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.