Value

An effective reduction of pain can be achieved with electrical stimulation near the spinal cord. For some patients who have already been frequently operated on, this therapy is the only way off of perpetual medication. A reduction of the often strongest pain medications, which can lead to noticeable side effects for some patients, is hereby possible. The often severely restricted quality of life and patient mobility is improved.

Advantage

The surgical procedure is minimally invasive. The level of medication can be reduced following a successful response rate of patients treated in this manner. The treatment can be conducted on an outpatient basis in several stages.

Follow-up

Activity should be somewhat restricted for a while following the implantation of the system. The doctor fine-tunes the stimulation over the following days with the aid of a computer-guided programming device until an optimal pain-inhibiting effect is achieved. The patient can then calibrate the system according to his or her needs by remote control.

Ability to work

Immediately following the procedure, strenuous physical activity is forbidden for up to several weeks. Light work is possible again after a phase of stabilization.

Sports

The degree of physical activity depends upon progress during the phase of stabilization. Afterwards, light physical activity, such as hiking or bicycling, as well as swimming, can be conducted.

Results

Following successful treatment, the expected reduction of pain is around 50 to 75 percent, according to international publications.

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