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Spinal Stimulator Recovery

A spinal stimulator, which can be implanted into a patient's lower back, uses electrical currents to block discomfort from conditions such as chronic leg, arm or back pain, or sciatica. Patients must restrict activities and rest during recovery from the implantation.

  1. Procedure

    • According to the Mayfield Clinic, a surgeon implants a spinal cord stimulator lead into the epidural space above the spinal cord and implants a pulse generator in the patient's lower abdomen or buttocks. Most patients are discharged from the hospital later on the day of surgery or the following morning.

    Pain

    • Patients may use narcotics to relieve post surgical pain for two to four weeks following surgery and over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after that.

    Restrictions

    • Spinal stimulator patients should avoid driving for two to four weeks after surgery and refrain from bending, lifting or sleeping on the stomach for six to eight weeks after the procedure.

    Bathing

    • Patients should not submerge a surgical incision in a tub of water for four weeks after surgery. Spinal stimulator patients may take a shower if they pat the incision site dry with a soft towel.

    Follow Up

    • A spinal stimulator patient may visit a doctor's office about 10 days after surgery to have the sutures removed and to adjust stimulator settings for more effective pain management.

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