How to Work With a Spinal Cord Stimulator

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a device surgically implanted at the spine to send a mild electric current to block pain impulses traveling on your spinal cord. According to the Mayfield Clinic, a small wire carries a current from a battery-operated generator to the nerve fibers along the spinal cord. When the device is turned on using a remote-control like device, the stimulation feels like a mild tingling in the area where pain is usually felt. Most patients report feeling a 40 to 50 percent reduction in pain while equipped with a spinal cord stimulator.

Things You'll Need

• Spinal cord stimulator implant
• Spinal cord stimulator remote control operator

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Instructions

• 1

  Review your device with the attending physician or nurse. Before you leave the hospital after the surgery to implant your spinal cord stimulator, a nurse or consultant will program your device and show you how to work the remote-control-like equipment that operates the implant.

• 2

  Experiment with the control. After watching the instructional DVD or reading the manual, it is time to test which programs work best for your pain management. Most devices have arrow keys indicating Up and Down. Press each key in moderation until you find the best level of comfort.

• 3

  Use the device sparingly. Most patients are advised to turn the device off before bed each night because the tingling sensations last long after the device has been powered off. Every patient is different. Speak to your physician about how often and when you should power off your device.

• 4

  Recharge the battery. According to St. Jude Medical, there are three types of SCS devices implanted in patients. A common model requires the battery implanted under your skin to be recharged every two to three weeks. Attach the external charging unit to your back for three hours at a time to recharge your unit.