Are you considering spinal cord stimulator surgery but are still unsure? Many of the patients who come to our Greater New Orleans pain clinics have one significant question they want answered before deciding if this is the right treatment plan for them: What is the recovery time following the procedure?
Recovery time after your spinal cord stimulator surgery
One of the first things we stress to our patients after their SCS surgery is that they must take it easy for a few weeks following the surgery. While each patient is different, most of our patients say their recovery time is around 3 weeks.
In roughly 10 days following your surgery, your pulse generator can be adjusted and checked. This is a great time for our physicians to check your recovery process and make sure you're healing properly. Be sure to let us know if there's any discomfort or concerns.
While at home recovering, it's perfectly normal to feel fatigued. Don't be alarmed if you feel the need to sleep longer or take long rests mid-day. Recovery takes a toll on your body. Rest is a great way to support it during this process.
For the first 2-3 weeks, you'll also want to avoid any excessive movements, such as twisting your body, reaching over your head, or lifting heavy things. Part of our process here at Southern Pain & Neurological is to ensure you have a support system at home (friends and family) to ensure your body can rest without unneeded stress. Your support system will help your body heal faster.
How quickly can I return to work after spinal cord stimulator surgery?
This depends on a few factors, including how well you're recovering and what type of work that you do. We discuss your options with you before you leave our clinic, and again during our checkups.
Do I need to take medication following SCS surgery?
Medication is a typical requirement following this type of surgery. How much, and what type, of medication depends on your specific pain level. Keep in mind, pain medication can change over time if needed. If you experience different symptoms once you get home, let our team know so we can adjust your medication accordingly.
Getting around with your stimulator
Your stimulator is like a pacemaker. It will set off security systems. When you see a sign directed at people with pacemakers, this applies to you.
There are certain treatments you'll need to avoid with your stimulator, and you can expect to have to come into our clinics periodically to have the stimulator checked. You will also recieve a patient programmer to self adjust your stimulator. We'll discuss these with you in greater detail prior to, and following your procedure.
Want to learn more about spinal cord stimulator surgery and if this procedure is right for you? Contact any one of our three Greater New Orleans pain clinics, located in Marrero, Metairie, and Covington.