Spinal cord stimulation

How does it work?

It consists of a small battery pack which is surgically inserted beneath the skin and is connected to a lead placed near the spinal cord. The battery sends electric signals to the lead, which alter chronic pain signals, and often reduce the amount of pain someone suffers with.

How is it inserted?

A spinal cord stimulator is inserted as a surgical procedure in a clean operating theatre. It is usually performed as a day case procedure and patients are allowed home the same day. Patients lie face down on an operating table and using x-ray guidance, the lead is placed through the skin into the appropriate place near the spinal cord. 

What is a spinal cord stimulation trial?

A spinal cord stimulator can be trialled for a few weeks to assess its effectiveness. This allows patients to have a test run before committing to a full system. When used a part of a trial, one end of the lead is sited near the spinal cord and the other end comes out of the back and is plugged into an external battery that looks a bit like a pager device. 

How is this different to an implanted device?

When a spinal cord stimulator is implanted, one end of the lead is sited near the spinal cord and the other end is tunnelled under the skin and is plugged into a battery which is placed under the skin, normally in the chest or buttock.

Is this done under a general or local anaesthetic?

You must be awake when a spinal cord stimulator is sited for safety reasons. But an anaesthetist will care for you and ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure.

Why do I need a psychological assessment?

Every patient will be referred for a psychological assessment prior to any decision about whether to go ahead with the procedure or not. This provides an opportunity to explore whether a spinal cord stimulator is the right treatment for you and think about whether you may need any extra support before or after the surgery. 

Potential issues and/or complications

These risks are generally rare but include serious complications such as paralysis, serious spinal or neurological infection and severe allergic reaction to drugs. These will be discussed with you on an individual basis by your consultant, and you will be given an opportunity to reflect on and ask questions before committing to anything.