anyone had stimulator for UPPER torso pain? - Pain Management Message Board

feelbad · 12-31-2003, 07:43 PM

Hi, I am in search of responses from anyone who has had the dorsal column stimulator implanted for upper torso pain caused by problems with the C-spine. I have read posts from people who have had this done for leg pain ,but have yet to read any reponses from someone who has had this done for pain in the upper part of the body.I have been given this as a possible treatment option from my neuro.I just want to find out if I would be wasting my time here or if this could possibly be a workable solution for my pain.Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. feelbad

Kayley · 01-01-2004, 09:29 AM

Hi Feelbad,
I had the stimulator installed for chest wall pain, which is upper body. It did help the pain, very much. The problem occured when my pain started spreading to my upper back also. At the time I had it installed, I didn't need it for my upper back, so the leads were not placed to control pain there. So I had it taken out. I really think that if my pain had not spread to my upper back, I would still have the stimulator today. I hope this helps you. Good luck!
Kayley

Kayley · 01-01-2004, 09:35 AM

Feelbad,
I thought I'd better add something. I had to have a third surgery to put a larger lead in, which involved deep cutting into my upper back. We don't know for sure, but that could be the reason for my upper back pain. So a word to the wise, be careful about letting anybody cut on your upper back. You see, when I had the second surgery to place the permanent lead, it was a thin wire, which they threaded up through my lower back. The stimulation was going the wrong direction, which is why they put the larger lead in the third time. So be careful! I don't want that to happen to you. I think the upper back is a bad place to be cut into, with all the muscle up there.