Spinal Cord Stimulator Review: Disadvantages And Risks Of The Surgery Implant

The spinal cord stimulator can be implanted in different places, depending on the person’s needs. It can be implanted under the skin on the back or neck.

Deuk Spine Institute is the world leader in minimally invasive Laser Spine Surgery. Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, founder of Deuk Spine Institute, developed the world's most advanced laser spine surgery. This laser spine surgery is known as Deuk Laser Disc Repair.  

Deuk Laser Disc Repair is used as an alternative to dangerous invasive surgeries like total disc replacement and spinal fusion. Deuk Laser Disc Repair is a form of endoscopic spine surgery performed in a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center under sedation while the patient relaxes. This procedure does not compromise or weaken the health and integrity of the spine.

In over 15 years of performing this procedure and with over 1,300 patients treated, there has been a 95% success rate with no complications in any patient.

To get started, Deuk Laser Disc Repair requires a very small incision, less than a quarter-inch long. A cylindrical rod called a dilator is inserted in the small opening to gently spread the muscle to create a small passage and guide through which the surgery is performed endoscopically. The tip of the dilator is advanced into the symptomatic disc through the tear in the annulus where the herniation originates, and a tube called the retractor slides over the dilator and is carefully positioned into the painful disc. The rest of the entire Deuk laser disc repair surgery will occur inside this narrow tube.

To access the spine, an endoscopic camera is inserted into the tubular retractor to allow the surgeon to guide the laser inside each symptomatic disc. This process ensures that bones and surrounding tissues are not damaged, unlike traditional spinal fusions, microdiscectomy, and artificial discs.

The Holmium YAG laser used in the Deuk laser disc repair is manipulated accurately with millimeter precision under endoscopic visualization to remove only painful inflammatory tissue from the disc. The laser is precisely used to remove damaged disc material that is causing the pain. 

The entire process takes about an hour and leaves less than one-quarter inch incision in the skin, which can be closed with a single stitch and a band-aid. After the surgery, the Deuk laser disc repair patient is back home, enjoying life with a speedy recovery allowing normal activities without pain. Another advantage of Deuk laser disc repair is that no opioids or powerful narcotic painkillers are needed after surgery.

If you’re suffering from chronic back and neck pain, submit your MRI for a free review with our team.

It is a battery-operated device that is implanted under the skin on the back. It is typically implanted near the spinal cord and connected to two leads that are placed along the spinal cord for pain relief.

A rechargeable spinal cord stimulator is a newer type of spinal cord stimulator device. It is a battery-operated device that is implanted under the skin on the back or abdomen. The spinal cord stimulator can be recharged, so it does not have to be replaced as often.

A percutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (pENS) is a spinal cord stimulator device that sends electrical impulses through the spinal column. It does not have leads or wires, so it can be placed in different areas of the spinal cord to help with pain relief.

The success rate of a spinal cord stimulator is variable and depends on the person’s situation. The life expectancy of a spinal cord stimulator also varies and depends on the type of device and how it is used.

There is no one answer to this question since everyone recovers differently. However, most people do not require a lot of time to recover from the surgical implant.

• Like we mentioned earlier, a spinal cord stimulator does not work to reduce chronic back and neck pain. 
• Also, it is expensive when compared with other alternative treatments for chronic low back pain, such as medications, physical therapy, exercise programs, massage, acupuncture, and Deuk Laser Disc Repair. 
• Another disadvantage of this procedure is that people who have had surgery implantation can experience complications after their operation, including infections at the surgical site and bleeding around the electrodes.
• People with spinal cord stimulators can experience side effects from surgical implantation. These include infection, bleeding around the electrodes, and scar tissue at the site of electrode placement. Spinal fluid leaks or spinal headaches are other potential risks that may occur following spinal cord stimulator implantation. 
• Device may need to be replaced often.
• It may not be covered by insurance.
• Surgery implants may cause spinal cord injury or other complications.

Before deciding if they are right for them, people should discuss the risks and disadvantages of spinal cord stimulators with a trusted doctor.

So long as your spinal cord stimulator is powered off, X-rays and CT scans are generally safe. It's always a good idea to let someone know you have one before undergoing any medical procedure that requires them to be aware of this fact!

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that they can detect stimulators, but your physician will give you an identification card to allow bypassing the machine. Some people find passing through airport security gates causes uncomfortable interference with their device; if possible, turn it off before going into the screening area.

If you have a spinal cord stimulation device and are considering an MRI, make sure to discuss the risks with your doctor beforehand. Even newer models can cause injury or interference if they're not compatible with MRIs in general terms. 

No! When driving or operating heavy machinery, it is crucial that you power off your stimulator. 

Swimming is great for those with a permanent, implanted generator. But you cannot get your temporary stimulator wet, so avoid baths and showers during that short trial period!

Yes. It is important to know that a spinal cord stimulator can be removed safely if you are unsatisfied with the level of pain relief it provides or there has been an infection in your system.