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Spinal cord stimulation is a spine and back pain treatment designed to alleviate chronic nerve pain in your back, especially if non-invasive methods haven’t worked. A spinal cord stimulator is implanted into your back, where it administers tiny electrical impulses that can reduce pain and get you moving again. Find out how spinal cord stimulation works at Harley Street Specialist Hospital below.
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Harley Street Specialist Hospital is an award-winning care provider in central London. Our approach is centred around patient comfort, safety, and convenience. We provide successful spinal cord stimulation to many patients every year.
We take a holistic, patient-centred approach to your care. You’ll be an integral part of the team as we assess, diagnose, and treat your back pain. Spinal cord stimulation can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as spinal injections, so we’ll create a bespoke plan designed to get you back to your daily activities without pain.
We welcome all privately insured and self-paying patients to our London-based hospital, where we specialise in back pain and orthopaedic treatments. For your convenience, we often provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment on the same day. Book an appointment for your initial spinal cord stimulation consultation now.
Spinal cord stimulation works by sending small, safe electrical impulses through the spinal cord to alleviate muscle pain in your back. It requires two procedures: a trial (to check the stimulator works for you) and full implantation (if the trial is successful).
When the spinal cord stimulator is implanted, you can send impulses through your spine on-demand with a remote control, giving you power over your back pain.
First, your doctor will use diagnostic imaging tools to establish the cause of your back pain and whether you’re eligible for spinal cord stimulation. In most cases, you’ll need to have exhausted non-surgical options before you can be considered for a spinal cord stimulator.
If you’re eligible, you’ll probably have two procedures to test and implant your spinal cord stimulation device. Here’s how it works:
1. Sedation and anaesthetic — You need to be awake during spinal cord stimulator implantation, so you’ll be given painkillers, a sedative, and a local anaesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable.
2. X-ray or ultrasound — An X-ray or ultrasound scan helps your team decide where to position the spinal cord stimulator.
3. Placing the electrodes — Thin wires, known as electrodes, are inserted into the epidural space of your spine near the source of pain.
4. Linking the electrodes to the battery — During the trial, the battery pack is worn on a belt outside your body. The doctor will link the battery to the electrodes.
5. Trial — You’ll use the device (normally for at least a week) to see if it helps with your nerve pain. If you have a significant reduction in pain, you can choose to have full implantation.
6. Full implantation — A second operation (also with sedation, pain relief, and anaesthetic) is needed to insert the battery generator under your skin, usually near your chest or buttock. Stitches or surgical glue are used to close the wound cleanly.
Each procedure is performed on a day-case basis, so you won’t need an overnight hospital stay. However, due to the painkillers and sedatives used, you won’t be able to drive home, so it’s important to make alternative travel arrangements.
Ostenil injections usually take around 30 minutes to administer. Not everyone feels immediate relief, but you should feel increasingly mobile and comfortable as the hyaluronic acid takes effect.
Learn more about spinal cord stimulation in these frequently asked questions.
Spinal cord stimulation can treat many back and spine conditions, including:
Spinal cord stimulation allows you to control when the electrical impulses are sent, giving you more control over how long pain relief lasts and when it’s topped up.
Some older spinal cord stimulators need battery replacements (which requires additional procedures), but many newer models can be recharged without surgery.
Traditionally, spinal cord stimulators create a tingling sensation that masks the pain in your back. But modern stimulators don’t always create this tingling; you may be able to relieve pain without feeling any replacement sensation at all.
No. If spinal cord stimulation doesn’t work for you, you can have a simple procedure to remove the device. Your consultants will discuss other possible treatments with you if you don’t want to progress to full implantation.
You can’t shower, bathe, or swim with a spinal cord stimulator during the trial period. That’s because it’s unsafe to get the battery pack wet while it’s outside your body.
During the trial, stick with a flannel wash and avoid getting the battery pack wet. Do alternative types of exercise (like walking or gentle jogging) instead of swimming.
If you choose to go ahead with full implantation, you can shower, bathe, and swim normally after a few days.
During the spinal cord stimulation trial, you shouldn’t drive (though you can travel by car as a passenger). This is usually extended for up to a month after the spinal cord stimulator is permanently implanted.
We always recommend you check with your insurance company before driving with a spinal cord stimulator.
Contact us today to discover a premium care experience fully tailored to your specific needs. Our top-tier medical team will design the most effective spinal cord stimulation treatment plan just for you.
Spread the cost of your medical treatment over several months with our finance options and medical payment plans. This is ideal for patients seeking the speed and comfort of private healthcare without significant upfront payments.
Use our self-payment options to get prompt care with the consultant of your choice. Patients looking for fast, efficient treatment without private health insurance are welcome to pay for treatment before their procedure.
We welcome patients with private medical insurance from approved insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and many more. Find out how to claim for your treatment with private health insurance to get optimum care and comfort.
If physiotherapy, back pain medications, and other conservative treatments haven’t worked, the pain management team at Harley Street Specialist Hospital may recommend spinal cord stimulation. This evidence-based procedure is an excellent way to get ongoing pain relief without the need for drugs or major surgery.
To get started, book an appointment with our back pain specialists at a convenient time for you.
