Does the medtronic spinal cord stimulator work?
On One Hand: Spinal Cord Stimulators Are EffectiveMedtronic 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 EffectsIn 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 LineThe Medtronic spinal cord stimulator is not designed to cure back pain, nor is it recommended for all types of pain.