Question 1

What does spinal cord stimulation (SCS) feel like?

Accepted Answer

The spinal cord stimulation replaces a feeling of pain with a feeling like a light buzzing, tingling, or tapping. You may notice these feelings at first, but the brain adapts and becomes sensitized to the sensations. At that point, you will likely not notice the feelings. If the procedure is successful, you will feel a significant reduction in pain.

Question 2

Does spinal cord stimulation (SCS) work for everyone?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord stimulation does not work for everyone. That is the reason a trial period is conducted in which the generator is used but not implanted. It gives you a chance to see if the therapy reduces pain enough to justify implanting the electrical current generator under the skin.

Question 3

Can I have X-rays and CT scans with a spinal cord stimulator?

Accepted Answer

X-rays and CT scans can damage the spinal cord stimulator if it is turned on. You can turn the stimulator off and have x-rays and CT scans with little chance of damaging the equipment.

Question 4

Are spinal cord stimulators compatible with the MRI procedure

Accepted Answer

Today, there are MRI-safe spinal cord stimulator devices available. Some can accommodate certain types of MRIs of the head and extremities, while others can accommodate whole-body magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Question 5

Can I swim with a spinal cord stimulator?

Accepted Answer

During the trial period, before the stimulator is implanted, you should not swim. After the incision has healed and the permanent spinal cord stimulator is implanted, you can swim. It should be noted that you do not want to do anything that puts pressure on the body. So swimming is allowed, but you should not go scuba diving 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) or more below the water’s surface.

Pain Treatments

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