#LIVING WITH A SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR GENERATOR#
#LIVING WITH A SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR PROFESSIONAL#

It is not a procedure suitable for all patients experiencing pain. Most people report they do benefit from spinal cord stimulation because pain is reduced. The slow return to normal activities is intended to give the spinal cord stimulator leads and incisions time to heal. After the test week, a permanent spinal cord stimulator is implanted if you experience decreased pain. It is left outside the body and carried in a belt pack.

#LIVING WITH A SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR GENERATOR#

It should be noted that a temporary device is implanted first to make sure it will help your pain, but the generator or battery pack is not implanted.

Carry the card a doctor will give that says you have an SCS because the device may set off anti-theft devices and metal detectors.

Keep bank or credit cards, computer disks, and other digital encoded items away from the stimulator’s control device magnet, or they may be demagnetized.

MRIs may not be safe because not all stimulators are MRI compatible.

#LIVING WITH A SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR PROFESSIONAL#

By powering off the device, x-rays and CT scans with an SCS are usually safe, but always inform the medical professional you have an implant.Same is true for operating heavy equipment – turn off the SCS.When you drive with a spinal cord stimulator, turn off the SCS because changes in electrical impulses can cause a distraction.The third goal is to limit activities that are more likely to cause lead (wire) movement.

The second goal is to protect the equipment. The spinal cord stimulator activity restrictions have three goals. Some people are able to return to higher stress exercise routines, and every situation is different. Check with your doctor before doing cardiovascular intensive swimming. You may be advised to avoid cardiovascular exercises like jogging and sports activities such as tennis because they may cause the leads to shift. You can swim with a spinal cord stimulator. You can participate in many low physical stress exercises, like walking and gardening. After eight weeks – return to regular work and recreational activities, but continue a regular exercise program.Sixth and eight weeks – add non-cardiovascular pool exercises to continued exercises for core strength and improved general conditioning.Second through the fifth weeks – do general conditioning exercises that target the lower extremities do exercises targeting the upper body, but always remain below shoulder height walk each day.

3-7 days: Start basic trunk stabilization exercises the first week to activate core muscles do safe home exercises that include mini squats, standing heel raises, marching in place, and stepping up and down (can use a small step).In fact, walking with help build physical strength for overall good health.Ī typical plan for exercise after spinal cord stimulator implantation is as follows: After the device is implanted, you need to avoid bending, lifting, twisting, and stretching to give the body time to heal.

You can exercise with a spinal cord stimulator, but it is important to go slow. Pain has usually forced people to give up some activities they enjoy due to chronic pain, and now they want to get active again. Since the spinal cord stimulator provides some pain relief, patients are anxious to return to an active lifestyle.

Living with a spinal cord stimulator