Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal Cord Stimulation in Valencia, CA and Lancaster, CA

Neurostimulation or otherwise known as Spinal Cord Stimulation, is a therapy that masks pain signals before they reach the brain. A small device, similar to a pacemaker, is implanted in the body to deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord. It helps patients better manage their chronic pain symptoms and decrease the use of opioid medications. It may be an option if you suffer chronic back, leg or arm pain and have not found relief with other Therapies.

Some SCS devices use a low-frequency current to replace the pain sensation with a mild tingling feeling called paresthesia. Other SCS devices use high-frequency or burst pulses to mask the pain with not tingling feeling. A paresthesia-free setting is an option on most devices. Stimulation does not eliminate the source of pain. It simply changes the way the brain perceives it. As a result, the amount of pain relief varies for each person. If unsuccessful, the implant can be removed and does not damage the spinal cord or nerves.

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Living with a Spinal Cord Stimulator

A hand held remote control that turns the device on and off and adjusts the settings. Systems with non-rechargeable battery need to be surgically replaced every 2 to 5 years depending on the frequency of use. Rechargeable battery systems may last 8 to 10 years but the patient must charge the system daily.

The pulse generator has programmable settings. Some SCS devices are able to sense a change in body position (sitting vs. lying down) and adapt the stimulation level to your activity. Other systems have leads that can be independently programmed to cover multiple pain area. Dr. Nasser will select the best type of system for you.

The spinal cord stimulator (SCS) device is surgically placed under your skin and sends a mild electric current to your spinal cord. A small wire carries the current from a pulse generator to the nerve fibers of the spinal cord. When turned on, the SCS stimulates the nerves in the area where your pain is felt. Pain is reduced because the electrical pulses modify and mask the pain signal from reaching your spine.

There are two parts to the procedure; placement of the lead in the epidural space of the spine and placement of the pulse generator in the buttock or abdomen.

Prepare the Patient

You will lie on your stomach on the table and be given light sedation. Next, the area of your back and buttock are prepped where the leads and generator are to be placed. Local anesthetic will be used to numb the incisions.

Placement of the Leads

The electrode leads are inserted with the aid of fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray). A small skin incision is made in the middle of your back and the bony vertebra is exposed.

A portion of the bony arch is removed to allow room to place the leads. The leads are secured with sutures in the epidural space above the spinal cord.

Close the Incisions

The incisions are closed with sutures or staples and a dressing is applied.

The surgical procedure takes 1 to 2 hours

After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room, where you will remain for several hours while you recover from the anesthesia. You will be monitored by the nurses.

Follow All Pre-operative Instructions given to you by Dr. Nasser.

You must have someone to drive you home after the surgery.

Realistic Expectations

An important factor in deciding whether to have a Pain Pump procedure is understanding that each person experiences a different level of relief.

Medical Evaluation

Dr. Nasser may ask you to schedule a complete physical examination with your family physician several weeks before the operation. This is needed to make sure you are healthy enough to have the surgery and complete the recovery process. Many patients with chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, may also be evaluated by a specialist, such as a cardiologist, before the surgery.

Test

Several tests, such as blood and urine samples, and an electrocardiogram, may be needed to help Dr. Nasser plan your surgery.

Medications

Tell Dr. Nasser about the medications you are taking. He will tell you which medications you should stop taking and which you should continue to take before surgery.

Test Stimulation

You will be awakened so that you can help the doctor determine how well the stimulation voters your pain pattern. Several stimulation settings will be tried and you will be asked to describe the location of any tingling you feel. These settings will be used to program the pulse generator at the end of surgery. Your feedback is important to ensure the best pain relief.

Tunnel the Wire

Once the leads are in place, sedation is again given. The lead wire is based under the skin from the spine to the buttock, where the generator will be implanted.

Place the Pulse Generator

A small skin incision is made below the waistline. The surgeon creates a pocket for the generator beneath the skin. The lead wire is attached to the pulse generator. The generator is then correctly positioned within the skin pocket.

Stop all BLOOD THINNERS – ASPRIN or any Anti-Inflammatory Medications (Motrin, Aleve) 7 days prior to surgery as they can cause bleeding during surgery.
Stop any naturopathic or herbal medication 7 days prior to surgery, these can also cause bleeding.
Continue with all other medications unless otherwise specified by Dr. Nasser.
Bring a list of ALL medication with you to give to the Anesthesiologist.
You are advised to STOP SMOKING or use of Tobacco for one week prior to surgery.
You must use Hibiclens Soap for 3 days (twice a day) prior to your procedure, paying close attention to the surgery site. This can be purchased at any local pharmacy.
DO NOT eat or drink anything (even water) after midnight the night before surgery.
For Diabetic Patients, if you are on insulin; NO insulin the morning of surgery.
DENTAL EVALUATION. Although the incidence of infection after surgery is very low, an infection can occur if bacteria enter your bloodstream. To reduce the risk of infection, major dental procedures (such as tooth extractions and periodontal work) should be completed before your surgery.
SOCIAL PLANNING. You may need to make advance arrangements to have someone assist you at home. DO NOT travel for six weeks after surgery.

Patients go home the same day of surgery.

Your Recovery at Home

The success of your surgery will depend largely on how well you follow Dr. Nasser’s instructions at home during the first few weeks after surgery.

Incision site is to be cleaned by sponge bathing only – twice a day with hibiclens soap until you are seen by Dr. Nasser. Some loss of appetite is common after surgery. It is important to have a balanced diet (often with an iron supplement) to promote proper tissue healing and restore muscle strength. Drink plenty of Water!

Pain

After your surgery, you will most likely feel some pain Dr. Nasser will provide medication to make you feel as comfortable as possible. It is normal to have swelling and warmth of the affected area. However, if there is excessive swelling, redness, or drainage from the incision site call Dr. Nasser immediately.

Spinal Headaches are caused by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid around the catheter. Lie flat and drink plenty of caffeinated non-carbonated fluids (tea or coffee) do not drink caffeine after 2 pm.

Wound Care

Do Not use any ointments or creams on the incision unless instructed to by Dr. Nasser. It is normal to have blood under the dressing. If there is excessive ooze the dressing can be changed by a healthcare professional. You may have stitches or staples running along your wound or a sterile mesh on the skin. The stitches or staples or mesh will be removed at your follow-up appointment.

Activity and Exercise

Void these activities until your first Post Op Visit:

NO swimming
NO golf
NO tennis
NO running
No bending
No twisting
No yard-work
No lifting
No crawling
No stooping
No housework
Do Not sleep on your stomach
No crouching
No sexual activity
Do Not raise your arms above your head
DO NOT Travel for 6 weeks after surgery

Time off Work depends on your work requirements. Office workers usually require 2-4 weeks off and manual laborers 6-12 weeks off.
Wear your abdominal binder at ALL TIMES (including while sleeping). Your binder may only be removed for hygiene purposes.
Do Not shower for 2 days after your surgery. You may sponge bathe only with no direct water on the incision.
On the 3rd. day after your surgery – you may shower with a bandage directly over the wound. No direct water on the incision site.
Do Not remove your bandage for 2 days after surgery.
On the 3rd. day after surgery, your bandage is to be removed and changed daily with a dry dressing only.
For 6 weeks after surgery limit all strenuous activity. No lifting anything over 10 pound. Avoid bending at the spine, especially twisting.
No swimming, golf, tennis, running or sexual activity.
NO Driving until approved by Dr. Nasser after your first post operative appointment.

Pump Refill

You must schedule medication refills on a regular basis with Dr. Nasser. At your refill appointment, the effectiveness of your treatment will be assessed and your pump will be adjusted accordingly. The goal is to find the optimal amount of pain control while having minimal side effects.

Infection

Your body needs time to heal, so be patient. Do not rush the recovery process. It is important to follow Dr. Nasser’s instructions carefully and make sure you are not pushing yourself too fast or too soon. Infection may occur in the wound or deep around the pump. Minor superficial wound infections are generally treated with wound cleansing and antibiotics. Major or deep infections may require more surgery and removal of the implant. Any infection in your body can spread to your implant.

Preventing Infection

Keeping your wound clean with antibacterial soap and water is crucial in preventing infection. A common cause of infection following surgery is from bacteria that enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, urinary tract infections, or skin infections. Dr. Sherfey will discuss with you whether taking preventive antibiotics before dental procedures is needed in your situation.

Warning signs of infection

Notify Dr. Nasser immediately if you develop any of the following:

Drainage from the wound
Persistent fever (higher than 101°F orally)
Shaking chills
Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling of the wound
During the procedure you will receive antibiotics to prevent injection.

Pain

A small number of patients continue to have pain after surgery. However, this complication is rare, however, and the vast majority of patients experience excellent pain relief following surgery.

Neurovascular Injury

While rare, injury to the nerves or blood vessels can occur during surgery. There is a risk paralysis, death and bleeding.

The nature, purpose and risks of the operation and the complications which may arise during or result from the operation have been explained to me, including the possibility of having pain, limited motion, weakness or paralysis, blood clots, headaches, nerve injury, scar, non-union, mal-union, risk of anesthesia, need for additional surgery, painful hardware, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, bleeding, need for transfusion, pulmonary embolus, infection, acute or chronic reaction to implant, drug reaction, cardiac arrest, organ injury, amputation, para or quadriplegic, stroke, and even death; and such understand that my condition may actually become worse as a result of the operation because of any one or more of the conditions above mentioned. I have been advised that because of the risks and the uncertain outcome, Dr. Nasser will undertake the operation only at my specific request and direction and with the understanding that the operation does entail risks.