Spinal Cord Stimulator

Updated on November 17, 2011
J.H. asks from Saint Paul, MN
7 answers

Hello everyone, I am trying to decide if I want to go ahead and get the Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted for my cronic back pain (electrical impulses) - which began when I was 30 weeks pregnant with my 8 year old daughter! I have tried EVERYTHING and this is one of my last options. Has anyone ever had this or know anyone who has? If so, can you tell me if you like it, any side effects, would you do it again... any advice and information is greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

To answer some of your questions... I have tried acupuncture, chiropractor, massage, physical therapy, occupational therapy, fancy shoe inserts, LOTS of injections, 2 surgeries, LOTS of medications, TENS unit, lidocain patches... nothing has worked. I have "degenerative disc disease" and I'm only 33 years old! I have pain 24 hours/day and some days are bearable and some are terrible where I can't even turn myself in bed! This seems like my last option (besides disc replacement or spinal fusion - which I do NOT want!!). Thanks for all of your responses. I sometimes feel like just living with the pain but it doesn't make me a happy mommy, wife or co-worker :(

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Look into something called "Tens Unit."
It is not implanted.

I had and have this.
When I had my c-sections. For pain and healing. It is a regular routine thing that my Doc gives, to his patients.
The nurses told me, that all of his patients, heal faster.... than those without it.

It is a portable unit.

It is electrical impulses.
Google search it.
Alternative medicine Doc's, use it as well.

What you may have, is a pinched nerve???
Have you seen a specialist? To formally diagnose, your pain and cause of it?

Have you tried Turmeric, supplements?
It is known to even help Arthritis chronic pain.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,###-###-##...

2 moms found this helpful

J.K.

answers from Chicago on

Had a friend do it. Ruin him for life--still in court suing and this isn't the first horror story and I have heard so I am sure it won't be the last!!!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.

answers from Las Vegas on

I have a friend that has this. He still has chronic back pain. From what he said, it took some of the edge off, but didn't fix it. I don't know if he would do it again, I'll ask him and get back to you. Have you tried a NUCCA chiropractor?

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I agree with S.H. about the tens unit. I learned about it when researching for my son's chronic pain.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.J.

answers from Seattle on

It's only for severe cases and not really worth it's troubles. Have you tried chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage? Works for me! I did lidocaine injections when it was at its worst, which calmed it down enough to heal.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Dallas on

Are you looking into the regular one or the one
That pumps medication on a timed and controlled
basis?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Houston on

I don't know about that, but wanted to tell you what helped my chronic back pain (10 years). I had a blood test done for food sensitivities. My chiropractor did the test. www.betterhealthusa.com
It sounds absolutely crazy insane that FOOD could make your back hurt, but I'm telling you, it CAN! I started the 'diet' of avoiding foods that I was reacting to on May 23, 2011. That was over 5 1/2 months ago. TWO WEEKS AGO, I FINALLY started to feel better!! I KNOW it was avoiding the foods because I was at the mall with my girls a few days ago and got them some cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, and was so hungry I could not resist eating some. I ate 6 of them and I am not supposed to because i cant have wheat or yeast or eggs. 3 days later I could barely walk from the INTENSE wrenching pain that I have lived with for 10 years! Please look in to this test before you do anything. I really hope you get some relief. I understand how frustrating it can be to try 'Everything', and nothing works. Message me if you have questions ;)

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions