If you suffer from chronic pain, your doctor may recommend implanting a spinal cord stimulator under your skin. If you are considering getting one and have not found enough relief from pain with conservative treatment, you have come to the correct spot.
Up to 80% of patients using spinal cord stimulators report a significant improvement in their pain levels. But before you get one, you should know what to expect from the surgery and the subsequent healing process. A physical medicine specialist Monroe Township can help.
- Learn the process
Pain signals in the spine can be disrupted by electrical signals emitted by a spinal cord stimulator. Reducing or eliminating pain in daily life is the end goal of blocking pain signals before they reach the brain.
To prepare for a spinal cord stimulator, you should first ask questions and learn as much as you can about the process. Your doctor will talk to you about the surgery and its potential outcomes. Inquire about the surgery and what you can expect in terms of recuperation time.
- Initiate pre-procedure testing preparations
You will need to get checked out to see if spinal cord stimulator implantation is the right treatment for you. Your doctor may suggest X-rays, an MRI, and nerve conduction studies to evaluate your pain.
If you are a contender for a spinal cord stimulator, you will be given a temporary device to try out before the permanent one is implanted. To determine the treatment’s efficacy, Your doctor implants temporary leads that are connected to an external stimulator device.
It is deemed effective if a spinal cord stimulator reduces pain by 50% or more.
- Make travel arrangements
Since you will be under general anesthesia while inserting your spinal cord stimulator, you cannot operate a motor vehicle upon your recovery.
You should have a friend or family member drive you to and from the surgery center once you have arranged your appointment. You should have someone stay with you while you recover for the first few days if at all feasible.
- Prepare for life after the operation.
It is important to rest and get well after surgery. There may be some discomfort at the incision site, but it should go away after a few days. Be careful to take any prescribed pain relievers as directed and pay close attention to their instructions for caring for your incision site.
- Think about starting PT.
After implanting a spinal cord stimulator, your doctor may advise patients to participate in physical therapy. Regaining mobility and strength via physical therapy is an effective way to lessen discomfort. If you want to recover as quickly as possible, it is crucial that you comply with their recommendations for physical therapy and follow-up visits.