Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Diagnosis & Understanding
11. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
12. CRPS I
1:57
13. Central Sensitization Syndrome
1:48
14. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Stellate Ganglion Injection
1:52
4. Lumbar Sympathetic Injection
1:36
Diabetic Neuropathy SCS
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
1. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Permanent Implant
1746882217
Since your medical team has determined you’re a candidate for spinal cord stimulation, it’s time for your permanent implant. This device may help manage pain long-term and improve your quality of life without needing extra medications. Here’s what you need to know.
Preparing your body for surgery is important. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet and prioritize sleep. Certain pre-surgical nutritional drinks may provide essential nutrients. Your doctor will advise if antibiotics are needed. Avoid eating for 8 hours before your procedure, but clear liquids are usually allowed up to 2 hours before.
If you take blood thinners, follow your doctor’s instructions on when to stop them. Shower with antibacterial soap, wear loose-fitting clothes, and arrange for a ride home.
After the procedure, you’ll need to wear an abdominal binder for up to 7 days. Avoid lifting over 10 pounds or excessive bending for 4-6 weeks. Keep your incision dry—no showers for at least 72 hours, and avoid soaking in water. Use ice packs and take pain medication as needed for mild soreness.
Your body will heal best with proper nutrition. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, stay hydrated, and get good sleep to aid recovery. Supplements may support healing and reduce infection risk. Berries, nuts (unless allergic), and omega-3-rich fish can help reduce inflammation. Proper rest allows your nervous system to adjust and optimize results.
Call your medical team immediately if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, severe headache, fever, sudden weakness, or loss of feeling. Your incision, about 3-6 cm in the lower back or flank area, where the battery is implanted, should not be pressed or played with.
Follow-up visits will adjust stimulator settings for optimal pain relief. Your role in recovery is crucial—caring for your body helps achieve the best results.
FAQs
How should I prepare my body for the SCS permanent implant surgery?
To prepare for the surgery, follow an anti-inflammatory diet, prioritize sleep, and use certain pre-surgical nutritional drinks if advised by your doctor. You'll need to stop eating 8 hours before the procedure but can consume clear liquids up to 2 hours prior. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding blood thinners, shower with antibacterial soap, wear loose-fitting clothes, and arrange for a ride home.
What are possible complications to watch out for after the SCS implant procedure?
Be vigilant for warning signs like loss of bladder or bowel control, severe headaches, fever, sudden weakness, or loss of feeling, and contact your medical team immediately if they occur. Ensure the incision is healing well and avoid pressing or playing with it to prevent complications.
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Permanent Implant?
A Spinal Cord Stimulator Permanent Implant is a medical device implanted in your body to help manage chronic pain. It works by sending electrical impulses to your spinal cord to mask pain signals before they reach the brain, potentially reducing the need for additional medications and improving quality of life.
What post-surgery care is required after getting an SCS implant?
After surgery, you'll need to wear an abdominal binder for up to 7 days and avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds or excessive bending for 4-6 weeks. Keep the incision dry by avoiding showers for at least 72 hours and do not soak in water. Use ice packs and take prescribed pain medications if needed for mild soreness. Maintain a nutritious, anti-inflammatory diet to support healing.
Why are follow-up visits important after receiving an SCS implant?
Follow-up visits are crucial to adjust the stimulator settings for optimal pain relief and to monitor your recovery progress. These visits help ensure the device is functioning correctly and allows your medical team to make necessary adjustments to maximize its effectiveness in managing your pain.