When to Consider Spinal Cord Stimulation for Failed Back Syndrome

Back pain, especially in the lower back, is a leading cause of disability around the world. Many people turn to nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy or spinal injections and experience little or no relief. Once they’ve exhausted these options, they often consider back surgery. 

Although back surgery is a last resort option, it isn’t a magical cure for back pain. Around 10-40% of people who go through lumbar spinal surgery experience new or worse pain after surgery. This is called failed back syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome.  

Despite the disappointment of having this unexpected surgical result, you have options moving forward. Stephanie Clop, MD, specializes in continued treatment for failed back syndrome at Integrated Spine and Pain Services in Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia. 

Spinal cord stimulation is a long-term treatment that may help you avoid a second back surgery. 

How spinal cord stimulation can help

Spinal cord stimulation involves an implanted device that blocks pain signals in your spine. Those pain signals never reach your brain, so you don’t perceive them. 

The implanted spinal cord stimulator emits mild electrical signals, which may cause a slight tingling sensation. Most agree this sensation is far more tolerable than back pain, but you don’t have to take a shot in the dark. Before getting your permanently implanted spinal cord stimulator, you undergo a trial period to see if the device works well for you. 

To begin the trial, the team uses X-ray imaging to guide electrodes into the epidural space around your spine. The electrical current from the stimulator travels through these electrodes. Your trial period then lasts for around a week. If your trial run is successful in reducing failed back syndrome pain, the team refers you for surgical implantation. 

Candidates for spinal cord stimulation after failed back syndrome

If you have pain from failed back syndrome that lasts 12 weeks or longer, you may be a candidate for a spinal cord stimulator. Chronic pain (lasting 12 weeks or longer) can significantly impact your well-being and independence, so you’ll want to visit Integrated Spine and Pain Services for a treatment consultation to explore your options. 

You might be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation if you:

• Want to avoid a second back surgery
• Have tried other conservative treatments
• Have a successful trial period
• Are committed to your treatment plan, including follow-up appointments and device care

Dr. Clop and the Integrated Spine and Pain Services team can teach you about proper spinal cord stimulator maintenance so you know what to expect when the device is implanted. 

Call Integrated Spine and Pain Services to schedule a consultation for failed back syndrome treatment today.