Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant in Kansas City

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation


Treating back issues at the neurological level.

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Understanding the Basics Behind Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation


What is Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation?

For most people, non-surgical options are all it takes to alleviate spine pain.

But for those patients who require further treatment, a spinal cord stimulator implant in Kansas City might be the best choice.

Spinal cord stimulators are a device implanted directly into your skin, usually near your buttocks or abdomen. This device allows patients to send electrical impulses using a remote control (located outside of the body) when feeling pain.

Whenever pain becomes severe, limits your mobility, or causes you to have trouble sleeping, it’s best to visit a Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance physician.

During your initial visit, we will ask you to fill out paperwork detailing your condition. You should also bring any X-rays or diagnostic tests you’ve had performed prior to coming to KCOA for treatment. Lastly, we’ll require proof of insurance or form of payment for the provision of the services rendered.

Your First Appointment

Despite the source, for many patients, it is fairly common for the level of back pain to wax and wane. Some signs that a Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant may be necessary include:

  • Burning pain
  • Shooting or stabbing pain
  • Weakness, tingling, or numbing
  • Pain down the back of the leg
  • Pain that radiates to the hip

When a patient visits one of our KCOA offices a skilled orthopedic specialist, will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, and whether you have attempted prior therapies.

Next comes a thorough physical exam. We will then review any images you bring with you and/or take new images. After determining the cause of your pain, we can then discuss which spinal treatment will work best for your needs.

Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance Spinal Cord Stimulator Assessment


Assessing the Condition

Finding the right back pain treatment in Kansas City starts with an assessment.

During your appointment, you will meet with your KCOA physician of choice to discuss your condition, pain levels, exacerbating factors that increase or decrease pain, previous treatments, and more. From there, your provider will perform a physical exam and other necessary diagnostic studies. With your history, examination, and test results, your spine surgeon can build a treatment plan and determine whether a spinal cord stimulator implant in Kansas City is your best solution.

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Examination

Your physician will utilize diagnostic tests to determine the severity of your spinal issues.

Commonly, you may have an X-ray exam to help diagnose the source of your pain. 

You may also undergo other testing such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan or electromyography (EMG).

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Establishing a Care Plan

Based on the results of your interview, examination, and imaging studies, you can expect a custom care plan catered specifically to you.

From there, we outline what you can expect with your spinal cord stimulator implantation and how to prepare for your procedure.

The decision to implant a spinal cord stimulator rests on a number of factors.

Your physician will thoroughly discuss all options to help control your pain that are less invasive than the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator before moving forward with the procedure.

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Pre-Op

Prior to your procedure, you will typically receive at least 2 phone calls:

  • A hospital registration representative will call to gather insurance and other personal information.
  • A registered nurse will call to review your health history and medication information.

 

Dependent on your health history, your physician may require:

  • Pre-surgical laboratory tests
  • X-rays
  • Primary care clearance

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Pre-Op

Pre-procedure instructions will vary depending on your physician and the location of your procedure. 

Always check with your physician prior to your procedure for specific instructions.

Most physicians require patients to not eat or drink after midnight prior to their procedure the next day.

Additionally, you may need to designate a family member or friend to drive you home from the procedure.  We recommend people having this type of procedure not drive themselves home.

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Day of Procedure

If you schedule your procedure with a specialist from KCOA, you can expect the following on the day of the procedure:

  • A receptionist will check you in at the hospital registration desk.
  • A nurse will take you back and prepare you for the procedure. They will start an IV, prepare the site, and review your medical history and medications.
  • Your physician and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to the procedure.
  • The treatment team will take you to a procedure room.

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What to Expect

After your same-day procedure is complete, the incision area may be painful for several days.

You will follow up you’re your physician 2 weeks after the procedure at which time your staples or sutures will be removed. Additional follow-ups will be at 6 weeks and then annually thereafter.

There will be restrictions on activities for the 6 weeks following implantation, and this will include no excessive bending, rotation, lifting greater than 10 pounds of lifting above shoulder height.

After 6 weeks have been completed, there would be no further restrictions to activities.

Our Process

How it Works

Spinal Cord Stimulators

Spinal cord stimulators work by replacing normal pain sensations with paresthesia, or light tingling. For patients who are uncomfortable with paresthesia, there are also newer devices with stimulation that can’t be felt.

Spinal cord stimulators work by replacing normal pain sensations with paresthesia, or light tingling. 

The Procedure

For patients who are uncomfortable with paresthesia, there are also newer devices with stimulation that can’t be felt.

The procedure starts with an insurance-required psychological evaluation. This is a very common requirement. We have a psychologist we recommend who makes this part of the procedure painless.

 

 

Trial Period

Your physician will then start you with a trial period lasting 5-7 days. During this time, your physician will implant a temporary device so you can test if it’s right for you. A unique type of X-ray, called a fluoroscopy, guides your physician as he or she carefully inserts the electrodes in their correct spaces along your spine.

This trial typically only requires one to two needle sticks in your lower back to place the electrodes. Usually, the procedure is also done under “twilight” anesthesia for your comfort. The generator for your temporary device will be outside your body, typically worn on a belt around your waist.

 

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

If the trial goes well, your physician will move forward with your spinal cord stimulator implantation generally 1-2 weeks later. That procedure usually takes less than one hour and is performed as an outpatient procedure under “twilight “or General Anesthesia.

Your physician will then make an incision near your buttocks to place the generator. Then, a second incision is made along your spine to insert the permanent electrodes. Each incision is roughly the length of a credit card.

Once the electrodes and generator are connected, your physician will close the incisions.

 

Symptoms


Common Signs & Symptoms of Back Pain

Back pain can manifest in many different forms. Anything from dull aching, acute, point-specific pain to symptoms that radiate into the buttocks, hips, and down the legs are all commonly related to back pain. Debilitating pain, an inability to lift the leg or foot, an inability to stand upright and loss of bowel or bladder control are signs that immediate treatment is necessary.

Causes

Causes of back pain

There are many different causes of back pain. At KCOA, we utilize advanced technologies and testing to accurately diagnose the source of your pain. With a proper diagnosis, we can appropriately assign target therapies and interventions for your specific pain, leading to a faster recovery.

Ongoing Treatment and Continued Care

Once your physician approves normal activities, typically 2 weeks after your procedure, you are free to return to your daily life. The pain relief provided by spinal cord stimulator implants in Kansas City is usually significant; it allows patients to do much more than they could prior to implantation. 

There are some lifestyle changes that come with your spinal cord stimulator implant, like turning off the device while driving. You should also always inform any of your doctors about your implant, since diagnostic tests like MRIs can possibly cause issues if they aren’t compatible with your device.

Don’t compromise quality care.

Our care is personal. Our team is knowledgeable. And we’re more available than ever.

With access to board-certified specialists across Kansas City, we have the tools to meet almost every musculoskeletal condition.

Use our Symptom Tracker Tool to connect with the right KCOA physician for your unique needs—and get back to the things that matter most.

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Testimonials

Dr. Mark Winston is the best.

Dr. Mark Winston is the best. He is a caring and attentive physician who made a very painful injury so much easier for me. The staff is very professional and do an awesome job.

Peggy Cameron

No complaints

No complaints at all. A very good experience.
Steve Richards

Awesome

Awesome ortho visit 😀😀😀 Thank you so much for listening to my concerns and coming up with a positive plan to help me deal with my pain
Alisha Hayes

Very professional

When you arrive into the office you are greeted by very professional receptionist. Everything about the office is nice and clean as well as when you were called to the back to be placed in the doctors waiting room. Dr. Ting is very professional, well knowledgeable, and very attentive.
Felicia Nelson

The best staff.

The best staff. Everyone in this office are extremely friendly. I would recommend this office to anyone.

Cecilia Buchanan