Neurostimulation: A Proven Therapy
Neurostimulation (also called spinal cord stimulation, or SCS) is a widely accepted option that has been recommended by doctors to manage chronic pain and improve quality of life for over 40 years. Neurostimulation systems are approved or cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of chronic pain in the back, neck, arms, or legs. They are also covered by many major health insurance plans, Medicare, and workers’ compensation programs.
To determine if neurostimulation is effective, several clinical studies have been conducted worldwide. Many of these studies analyze things such as reduction in pain and in medications. The following charts summarize some of the studies of neurostimulation and its effects on the quality of life of patients.
Reduction in Pain |
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| Reference | Number of Patients in the Study | Follow-Up | Results |
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| Kumar1 | 410 | 8 years | 74% had ≥50% relief |
| North2 | 19 | 3 years | 47% had ≥50% relief |
| Barolat3 | 41 | 1 year | 50%–65% had good to excellent relief |
| Van Buyten4 | 123 | 3 years | 68% rated the result of SCS as good to excellent |
| Cameron5 | 747 | Up to 59 months | 67% had good to excellent relief |
Reduction in Medication |
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| Reference | Number of Patients in the Study | Follow-Up | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| North2 | 19 | 3 years | 50% reduction in their medications |
| Van Buyten4 | 123 | 3 years | As a group, reduced medication use by >50% |
| Cameron5 | 766 | Up to 84 months | 45% reduced their medications |
| Taylor6 | 681 | n/a | 53% no longer needed analgesic |
Improvement in Daily Activities |
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| Reference | Number of Patients in the Study | Follow-Up | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baralot3 | 41 | 1 year | As a group, significantly improved function and mobility |
| North2 | 19 | 3 years | As a group, improved in a range of activities |
Return to Work |
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| Reference | Number of Patients in the Study | Follow-Up | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Buyten4 | 123 | 3 years | 31% returned to work |
| Taylor6 | 1,133 | n/a | 40% returned to work |
| Dario7 | 23 | 3 years | 35% returned to work |
1 Kumar K, Hunter G, Demeria D. Spinal cord stimulation in treatment of chronic benign pain: challenges in treatment planning and present status, a 22-year experience. Neurosurgery. 2006;58(3):481-496.
2 North RB, Kidd DH, Farrokhi F, Piantadosi SA. Spinal cord stimulation versus repeated lumbosacral spine surgery for chronic pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Neurosurgery. 2005;56(1):98-107.
3 Barolat G, Oakley JC, Law JD, North RB, Ketcik B, Sharan A. Epidural spinal cord stimulation with a multiple electrode paddle lead is effective in treating intractable low back pain. Neuromodulation. 2001;4(2):59-66.
4 Van Buyten JP,Van Zundert J,Vueghs P,Vanduffel L. Efficacy of spinal cord stimulation: 10 years of experience in a pain centre in Belgium. Eur J Pain. 2001;5(3 Suppl Spine):299-307.
5 Cameron T. Safety and efficacy of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain: a 20-year literature review. J Neurosurg. March 2004;100(3):254-267.
6 Taylor RS,Van Buyten JP, Buchser E. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic back and leg pain and failed back surgery syndrome: a systematic review and analysis of prognostic factors. Spine. 2005;30(1):152-160.
7 Dario A, Fortini G, Bertollo D, Bacuzzi A, Grizzetti C, Cuffari S.Treatment of failed back surgery syndrome. Neuromodulation. 2001;4(3):105-110.