Are Spinal Cord Stimulators Worth the Risk?

Since they’ve become available in the US market 10 years ago, spinal cord simulators have been touted as "the solution to chronic pain" for millions of Americans with chronic pain. They are thought to disrupt pain signals by sending electronic signals to the spinal cord. Many people have received spinal cord stimulator implants from companies like Boston Scientific, St. Jude, and Medtronic in hopes of finally finding relief from chronic pain.

The only problem is that spinal cord stimulators are not guaranteed pain relief and more people than ever before are reporting negative side effects. Many are even deciding to have their stimulator removed. Unfortunately, they are not the miracle cure many were hoping for. Representatives from these spinal cord stimulator companies, as well as the doctors who perform the implants, are also not always transparent about the stimulators' true risks.

Just like any foreign object in the body, there are inherent risks involved. From infections to increased pain, many side effects are now being reported, and people are not staying quiet about the negative side effects of their spinal cord stimulator implants. Never believe over-hyped promises. Are they worth the risk? Should you consider one for your chronic pain? Discover the latest in spinal cord stimulators' side effects.

Newest Negative Side-Effects Reported

Many people are sharing their experiences with their spinal cord stimulators. While each person is different, and this procedure does work for many people, it does not work for everyone. It is paramount that you see a doctor who has performed hundreds of spinal cord stimulator implants. Experience is a must when it comes to this surgery.

The latest negative side effects reported from spinal cord simulators are:

• Increased pain: An increase in pain is one of the most common negative side effects reported. Many people say they feel an increase in pain as soon as they wake up from surgery. Others will feel a gradual increase in pain in the weeks following their surgery.
• Severe headaches: Headaches are a side effect that many reports right away. Even after having the stimulator removed, many people report a headache lingering.
• Pain in legs and arms: Shooting pain in the arms and legs. This could be because the stimulator is simulating the wrong nerves.
• Defibrillators are banned: For anyone with a weak heart, a spinal cord stimulator should not consider as defibrillators cannot be used if you have a spinal cord stimulator in your body.
• Stimulators implanted too close to other body parts: Some have reported their stimulator being implanted too close to a bone, organ, or nerve and experiencing pain in that centralized area.
• Lower back pain
• Nerve damage headaches: After having the stimulator removed, lingering nerve damage can cause headaches.
• Tailbone pain: Some people report a mysterious increase in pain in their tailbone area.
• Spinal fluid leak: Complications from surgery can cause a spinal fluid leak near the site of the spinal cord stimulator implant.
• Infections/abscesses: An infection or a pocket of infection, also known as an abscess, can surround the area where the implant is located in the body.
• Weakness in muscles: The spinal cord simulator can make some muscles in the body weaker, which is a form of paralysis.
• Loss of bladder control: The simulator can block signals from the bladder or even the bowel area, making it difficult to know when you have to use the bathroom.
• Feelings of electrocution: Some people report feeling shocks of electricity through their body when the stimulator is turned on.
• Rejection: The body can reject the stimulator. Many of the above side effects can be signs of rejection. If you experience any of the above side effects, make sure to see a doctor or go to the ER right away.

What to Do if Your Spinal Stimulator Isn't Working

Reprogramming is a common first step taken by many people experiencing negative side effects with their spinal cord stimulator. Contacting the manufacturer is your first step, and letting your surgeon and continuing care doctor know as well.

If you've received a spinal cord stimulator implant and you're experiencing any negative side effects, be sure to contact us today to speak with a spinal cord injury lawyer. We are committed to helping spinal cord injury survivors and their families with the latest news on spinal cord stimulator implants.