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What Is A Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant And How It Can Help You

It would be an understatement to claim that chronic back pain can be a lifelong struggle. For many, this persistent pain can get so unbearable that they may resort to every medication and treatment available in hopes of at least receiving a temporary reprieve from suffering.

If you can relate to this, we feel for you.

In your search, you may have come across information about a spinal cord stimulator. This treatment is quickly picking up steam and is a safe choice for those with chronic back ailments, particularly if all options are exhausted.

Continue reading to learn more about this therapy, its benefits, and get the answer to the burning question of does Medicare pay for spinal cord stimulator implant.

What Is A Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant?

In simple terms, a spinal cord stimulator is a medical device surgically implanted into the body of a patient with chronic neurologic pain. It may help alleviate back and other forms of chronic pain.

At the moment, these implants are commonly used as an alternative to more traditional forms of pain treatment. As you probably know medications such as opiods may help manage pain, but they are highly addictive and can cause too many (sometimes life-threatening) side effects.

How Does This Device Work, Though?

First, you have to consider the nature of pain. It’s our body’s protective process that signals to the brain something is wrong. In some cases, like injuries or severe nerve diseases, the affliction can become persistent. To make matters worse, this sensation can even cause permanent changes to your nervous system, which can oftentimes make the aching worse.

A spinal cord stimulator helps treat the issue at its core by blocking or masking pain signals before they reach the brain. It does so by sending small electric pulses to the electrodes positioned over the spinal cord. This small charge of electricity can pretty much replace the pain sensation with slight tingling, or in certain instances, eliminate it altogether.

The Process Of Implanting A Spinal Cord Stimulator

Before getting into the question of does Medicare pay for spinal cord stimulator implant, you should first know if you want to go through this procedure.

While having electrodes implanted inside your body might seem scary and complex, it’s actually a fairly straightforward process. Typically, this is an outpatient procedure that takes about two hours and you’ll receive a sedative for maximum comfort.

The surgeon will make an incision on your back and place a flat electrode on the area behind your spinal cord. The next step is tunneling a wire under your skin through an incision near your waist and connecting it to a tiny generator.

Once the system is tested, the surgeon will close all the incisions, officially finishing the procedure. As times passes and you slowly heal, you’ll be able to make tiny adjustments to the sensations your stimulator gives you.

The batteries for the generator can be either rechargeable, which you’ll have to charge every few days), or permanent batteries that need to be replaced every few years.

But what if you learn the stimulator doesn’t work for you after the surgery?

This can’t happen as your physician will only greenlight the procedure after you go through a set of trials. If this therapy works for you, you’ll get the option of receiving a permanent implant.

What Are The Main Benefits Of A Spinal Cord Stimulator?

For people whose bodies respond well to this procedure, the benefits are plentiful. Here are just a few:

1. You can adjust the level of pain relief

The level of pain you experience can vary at times. Thankfully, a spinal cord stimulator provides you with a variety of pain relief options so you can fine-tune its output to match your level of pain.

2. Simple procedure

As we described above, the operation is quick and painless and usually takes one incision which is quite small in size.

3. Minimal reliance on opioids

In many cases, the pain relief offered by a spinal cord stimulator is so effective that people either minimize or completely eliminate their use of pain medication. According to one study, a third of participants reported they stopped using medication or at least kept their use to a minimum.

4. Targeted results

Medication tends to affect your entire body and cause a plethora of side effects that are unrelated to your back pain. With this treatment, you get pain relief exactly where you need it.

5. It’s fully reversible

While there’s no going back with some forms of therapy, this one is 100% reversible. If you choose to get the device removed, you can do so as you please without suffering any permanent changes to your spinal cord.

What is The Purpose of Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment that is usually recommended when other non-surgical pain relief options have failed to provide adequate relief. It involves the use of spinal cord stimulators to manage and alleviate different types of chronic pain, such as back pain that persists after surgery, post-surgical pain, heart pain that cannot be treated by other means, injuries to the spinal cord, nerve-related pain, peripheral vascular disease, complex regional pain syndrome, pain after an amputation, and visceral abdominal and perineal pain.

Spinal cord stimulation can enhance the overall quality of life and sleep while reducing the need for pain medication. It is often used in conjunction with other pain management methods, including medication, exercise, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Types

There are three main types of spinal cord stimulators that are used for pain management:

Conventional implantable pulse generator (IPG): This type of stimulator is battery-operated and is placed in the spine during an operation. When the battery runs out, another surgery is required to replace it. This device is suitable for people with pain in just one body part because it has a lower electrical output.

Rechargeable IPG: This device works similarly to the conventional device, but the battery can be recharged without needing another surgery. Since the energy source is rechargeable, these stimulators can put out more electricity. This may be a better option for people with pain in the lower back or in one or both legs, as the electrical signal can reach further.

Radiofrequency stimulator: This device uses a battery that is outside the body. However, it is rarely used today because newer designs and better technology have replaced it. It has rechargeable batteries, and like the rechargeable IPGs, it may be better for people with pain in the lower back and legs because of the device’s power.

Your surgeon will explain how to operate the device and adjust the intensity of the electrical signal, which all three types of stimulators support. Different body positions may require different stimulator settings, such as one setting that works better for sitting and another for walking. To help you easily access the most used settings, most devices allow doctors to save two or three preset programs. Some newer devices feature several waveforms for electricity delivery, including high frequency, burst and high-density stimulation.

Are There Any Risks Associated With This Procedure?

Just like any other surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with a spinal cord stimulator implant. The main concerns are infections, negative reactions to anesthesia, or the formation of blood clots.

However, don’t let this discourage you as risks are relatively low when compared to more invasive procedures. It’s also worth noting that the pain relief benefits of implanting this device far outweigh the minimal risks.

Does Medicare Pay For Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant?

Generally speaking, Medicare covers this procedure for eligible beneficiaries. Nevertheless, you do have to meet certain criteria (consult your physician for the most accurate information) and also need a recommendation from a medical provider.

Furthermore, you are required to use only approved suppliers.

Since Implanting a spinal cord stimulator is an outpatient procedure, your Medicare will cover 80% of the cost while you’ll have to pay the rest out of pocket.

Make The Pain Go Away

When dealing with chronic pain, it’s easy to think that all avenues are explored and there’s nothing left to do but spend the rest of your life in agony. Yet, the spinal cord stimulator implant procedure is arguably the best course of action if you feel like you have no other recourse.

Once you take into account non-invasive surgery is not invasive, minimal risks, and the fact you know does Medicare pay for spinal cord stimulator implant, trying this form of pain relief is worth it.