Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Information

Spinal cord stimulation trial is a test to see whether a spinal cord stimulator reduces your pain. A spinal cord stimulator is a small device that is attached to your back or inserted (implanted) in your back.

The stimulator has small wires (leads) that connect it to your spinal cord. The stimulator sends electrical pulses through the leads to the spinal cord. This can relieve pain.

Your health care provider may suggest a spinal cord stimulation trial if other treatments for chronic pain have not worked for you. Spinal cord stimulation may be used to manage pain that is caused by:

• Coronary artery disease.
• Failed back surgery.
• Phantom limb sensation.
• Peripheral neuropathy.
• Complex regional pain syndrome.
• Other syndromes that involve long-lasting (chronic) pain.

A trial period is usually 3–5 days, but this can vary among health care providers. After your trial period, you and your health care provider will discuss whether a permanent spinal cord stimulator is an option for you. The permanent stimulator may be an option depending on:

• Whether the stimulator reduces your pain during the trial.
• Whether the stimulator fits into your lifestyle.
• Whether the cost of the stimulator is covered by your insurance.

How is a spinal cord stimulator placed for a trial?

For a trial period, the stimulator is placed on your skin, not under it. Only the leads that connect the stimulator to the spinal cord are implanted under your skin. The exact location of the stimulator depends on where you have pain.

There are two types of surgery for implanting the leads:

• Noninvasive surgery. In this type of surgery, a small incision is made and needles are used to place the leads under your skin.
• Open surgery. In this type of surgery, a larger incision is made, and the leads are implanted directly into your back.

How should I care for myself after a spinal cord stimulator is placed?

Activity

• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not lift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg).

General Instructions

• Follow your health care provider’s specific instructions about how to take care of your spinal cord stimulator and your incision.
• Make sure to write down the following information so that you can share this information with your health care provider:
  • Your responses to the stimulator, as told by your health care provider.
  • Your pain level throughout the day.
  • The amount and kind of pain medicine that you take.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves.
• Tell all health care providers who care for you that you have a spinal cord stimulator. This is important information that could affect the medical treatment that you receive.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

When should I seek medical care?

Seek medical care if:

• You have more redness, swelling, or pain around your incision.
• You have more fluid or blood coming from your incision.
• Your incision feels warm to the touch.
• You have pus or a bad smell coming from your incision.
• The bandage (dressing) that covers your incision comes off.

When should I seek immediate medical care?

Seek immediate medical care if:

• The stimulator leads come out.
• Your pain gets worse.
• You develop numbness or weakness in your legs, or you have difficulty walking.
• You have problems urinating or having a bowel movement.
• You have a fever.
• You have symptoms that last for more than 2–3 days.
• Your symptoms suddenly get worse.