Pain Pace-Maker (Spinal Cord Stimulation, SCS)

If chronic back pains do not disappear even after treatment with modern procedures, a so-called pain pace-maker may be capable of permanently reducing the pain. Principle: In cases of spinal marrow stimulation, soft impulses prevents the pain signals from reaching the brain. The method is effective in cases of post-nucleotomy syndrome, diabetic polyneuropathy, phantom pains and other chronic pain conditions.

Process of Treatment

In a minimally invasive treatment, we implant a delicate electrode directly into the spinal column. With local anesthetic, and with constant communication with you, we place the electrode exactly on the right spot. Additionally, we check the position of the electrode by means of X-ray illumination. Starting from the bone marrow, the nerves take the impulse into the brain and thus interrupt the conduction of actual pain signals. The impulses are produced by an impulse generator – similar to a cardiac pace-maker – through this electrode. As a consequence, the pain disappears and you notice a slight prickling sensation in the area with the pain.

Then we perform test stimulation lasting from one to two weeks. In this period we test whether there was a significant reduction in the pain, whether you must take less medication or weaker medication, whether you are feeling well and whether you are getting along with the stimulation in your daily life. After a successful test stimulation, in a second session the implantation of a pace-maker under the skin takes place, producing impulses and transmit them through the electrode.

We adjust the impulse configurations individually, according to the intensity of the pain. In addition, you also receive a programming device so you can adjust the strength of the stimulation to different strengths of pain.

Duration of treatment: Test stimulation, 1 to 2 hours, implanting, 30 minutes

Permanence in clinic: short

Time limit: 1 week after the test and 1 week after implantation

Physiotherapy: in 8 weeks with caution

Work incapacity: 1 week after the test and 1 week after implantation