Spinal Cord Stimulation for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome or Spinal Stenosis

Inside This Article

• What causes persistent pain after back surgery and how is it linked to failed back surgery syndrome?
• How does spinal cord stimulation help manage chronic pain from spinal stenosis or nerve damage?
• What long-term benefits can patients expect from spinal cord stimulation after other treatments fail?

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For individuals who have already had surgery or tried all other conservative measures, chronic leg and back pain can change their lives. Cutting-edge treatments like spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can provide fresh hope when pain doesn’t go away after several treatments. Our specialty at the Center for Pain & Spine is using this cutting-edge, minimally invasive technology to help patients with spinal stenosis and failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) find long-term relief.

Knowing the Conditions: Spinal Stenosis and FBSS

After spine surgery, persistent or recurring pain is referred to as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). It indicates that either additional pain developed or the anticipated pain alleviation did not materialize, not because the surgery was done incorrectly. Scar tissue formation, nerve irritation, spinal instability, or degeneration at nearby levels are some of the possible causes.

People with FBSS often say they have pain in their lower back, buttocks, or legs that is sharp, shooting, or aching. This pain may make it difficult to stand, walk, or even carry out basic everyday tasks.

Conversely, spinal stenosis happens when the spinal canal constricts, applying pressure to the spinal cord or nerve roots. This aging-related disorder can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness, particularly when standing or walking for long periods of time. Even though surgery or injections can help, some patients still have pain or are unable to have more operations done because of scar tissue or health risks.

Spinal stenosis and FBSS can both cause difficult-to-treat nerve-related discomfort. Spinal cord stimulation may be useful in this situation.

Spinal Cord Stimulation: What is it?

A technique called spinal cord stimulation modifies the brain’s perception of pain by sending moderate electrical impulses. Under the skin, a little gadget known as a spinal cord stimulator is inserted. By sending electrical signals to particular spinal cord nerves, it can lessen or eliminate pain and replace it with a more pleasurable tingling or calming wave-like sensation.

Contemporary systems are adaptable and can be configured to target particular pain points. The objective is to successfully manage chronic pain and lessen the need for medication or more procedures, not to correct the underlying structural issue.

How the Procedure Works

Usually, there are two phases to spinal cord stimulation: a trial period and, if successful, a permanent implantation.

Assessment and Planning

A thorough consultation and examination of the patient’s imaging results, medical history, and prior therapies are the first steps in the procedure. People who have persistent nerve-related back or leg pain that has not gone away with medicine, injections, or further surgery are typically candidates for SCS.

Trial Phase

A needle is used to implant temporary leads—thin cables with electrodes—into the spine’s epidural region during the trial process. To evaluate how well the therapy lowers pain, patients are sent home for a few days while the leads are attached to an external stimulator.

A permanent system is considered if the patient’s function and pain reduction improve by at least 50% during this trial.

Permanent Implantation

The patient comes back for the implantation operation if the trial is successful. A tiny battery-operated generator is inserted beneath the skin, typically close to the buttocks or lower back, and permanent leads are implanted in the same spot. The entire process, which typically takes one to two hours, is carried out under local anesthesia and sedation.

Programming and Follow-Up

The stimulator is configured and adjusted to provide the appropriate level of stimulation upon healing. For optimal pain management, the settings can be adjusted at follow-up appointments.

Who Can Gain from Stimulation of the Spinal Cord?

Spinal cord stimulation may be a great choice for people who:

• After one or more spine procedures, you still experience pain (failed back surgery syndrome).
• Suffer from degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis-related persistent nerve pain
• Are deemed unsuitable for additional surgery due to their age or health issues.
• Desire to lessen dependency on pharmaceutical painkillers or opioids
• They have attempted conservative measures, such as injections or physical therapy, but have failed to find relief.

To confirm that the pain is neuropathic—that is, originating from nerve stimulation or compression rather than muscle or bone discomfort—cancer candidates undergo a rigorous evaluation.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation

For patients with persistent leg and back pain, SCS therapy provides several important benefits:

• Less invasive process that requires minimal recuperation
• Reversible therapy that can be changed or stopped as necessary
• Pain management that is adaptable and can target particular pain patterns
• This approach decreases drug use, which reduces the risks and adverse effects associated with chronic painkillers.
• Enhanced quality of life and mobility, enabling patients to return to their regular activities and sleep more soundly

Spinal cord stimulation does not change the structure of the spine, in contrast to conventional surgery. Without more structural intervention, it can offer potent pain relief by altering the way the nervous system interprets pain.

Findings from the Research

Spinal cord stimulation is a successful treatment for chronic pain problems, according to clinical research and decades of practical application. When compared to ongoing medical care alone, SCS has continuously shown notable gains in function and pain management in individuals with failed back surgery syndrome.

Results have also improved due to recent technological advancements. High-frequency or burst stimulation patterns are used by more recent stimulators to lessen pain without causing paresthesia, the tingling sensation that older systems are known to produce.

According to research, spinal cord stimulation may potentially benefit people with spinal stenosis-related chronic leg pain who are not candidates for surgery or who have already had decompression but still have pain. Patients frequently report significant pain relief, improved walking tolerance, and a reduction in the requirement for painkillers.

Risks and Considerations

Although spinal cord stimulation is usually regarded as safe, there are possible hazards to take into account, just as with any operation. These could consist of:

• Infection at the location of implantation
• Swelling or bleeding
• The leads’ movement or breakage
• Malfunctioning device
• A brief rise in discomfort following surgery

Thankfully, these issues are rare and frequently resolve with medical or surgical intervention. Risks can be reduced with thorough postoperative care, sterile techniques, and proper technique.

Living with a Spinal Cord Stimulator

Most patients quickly adapt to living with a spinal cord stimulator. A handheld device can be used to wirelessly control the implant, which is discrete. Rechargeable options can last over ten years, though battery life varies based on type and usage.

Usually, patients see a slow improvement in their everyday activities and comfort. Many can resume walking, working, and working out with less limitation. Appointments for follow-up are made to track developments and adjust settings.

Although not everyone experiences complete pain relief from the stimulator, many patients report a significant improvement in their capacity to live pain-free.

Why Choose the Center for Pain & Spine?

Our board-certified specialists at the Center for Pain & Spine have a tremendous deal of expertise conducting spinal cord stimulator implantations and studies. We help people manage even the most complicated types of chronic pain by combining cutting-edge technology with tailored, compassionate treatment.

Our strategy is centered on:

• Selecting patients carefully and making accurate diagnoses
• Image-guided processes carried out in accordance with the strictest safety regulations
• Programming that is tailored to each patient’s unique pain pattern
• Continuous monitoring and treatment to promote long-term progress

We think it’s important to provide patients with information and clear expectations so they can actively participate in their treatment decisions and understand their options.

Moving Forward with Pain Management

You do not have to put up with spinal stenosis pain or chronic back or leg pain following surgery as a permanent condition. When other therapies have failed, spinal cord stimulation may provide significant, long-lasting comfort.

At the Center for Pain & Spine, we’re dedicated to using cutting-edge pain management techniques to help our patients regain their comfort, functionality, and quality of life. Schedule an appointment for a consultation with our office right now to find out if spinal cord stimulation is the best course of action for you.