Patients who are considered good candidates for spinal cord stimulation can begin the treatment on a temporary basis first before having the generator implanted. After identifying the best locations to apply the electrical impulses, the pain specialist uses x-ray guidance to thread the leads (wires) to the target areas. The leads are connected to a generator that is outside the patient’s body, operated with a remote control.
The external generator is then programmed to deliver the proper level of relief, and over the next few days or weeks the patient can adjust the device as needed. If the stimulator is effective at relieving pain and improving quality of life, the patient may choose to have the generator implanted (usually in a “pocket” under the skin of the buttock) for permanent pain management.
The patient continues to manage the level of stimulation using the remote control. The procedure is considered permanent, but it is reversible: The implanted stimulator can be turned off or surgically removed at any time.
Both procedures, to implant the leads for the trial, and to implant the generator, are often done as outpatient procedures or with very brief hospital stays. Complete recovery from the surgical procedure can be from 4-6 weeks.
