by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Spinal Cord Stimulators Are Effective
Medtronic spinal cord stimulators are battery-operated, surgically implanted devices located in a patient's lower back. Numerous published clinical studies, including two in Neurosurgery (1993, 1995) and one in the Journal of Pain Symptom Management (1997), found that spinal cord stimulators provided pain relief that was good or excellent.
On the Other: Potential Side Effects
In a Spine Health article about the pros and cons of Medtronic spinal cord stimulators, Dr. Thomas Wascher indicated that side effects related to the minor surgical procedure involved in implantation may include infection, complications with the device, pain or fluid build up where the device is implanted or allergic response.
Bottom Line
The Medtronic spinal cord stimulator is not designed to cure back pain, nor is it recommended for all types of pain. However, it does effectively provide relief for sufferers of nerve pain and other specific types of chronic back pain, with minor risks of negative side effects.
Source:
Spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain
Resource:
School of Health and Related Research
Spinal Cord Stimulators
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