What is a pain pacemaker?

A pain pacemaker works on the principle of neuromodulation. This means that the pain signals from a particular area of your body is masked by an electrical stimulation of the affected nerve fibres. The electrical pulses emitted through a fine, precisely positioned electrode superimposes the pain stimuli. This results in you feeling at most a pleasant prickling sensation instead of radiating pain. The pain pacemaker can help reduce the pain considerably.

What happens during the surgery?

You will have an initial consultation with your surgeon to discuss the suitability of the procedure, to communicate your desired goal, discuss options, and discuss the details of the procedure. Once all of the details are agreed upon and confirmed, a date for the procedure is set.

The implantation procedure is carried out in two sessions, both sessions you are usually under local anaesthesia. In the first session, the surgeon will introduce an electrode in the right section of your spinal cord. The positioning and the adjustment of the strength of the stimulus is carried out in consultation with you. After a week of testing the electrode in your everyday life, the pain pacemaker will be implanted permanently and invisibly beneath your skin.

The procedure usually takes about 1-3 hours. Patients are typically discharged post-procedure on both sessions. You should be able to return to work within a few days post-procedure.

How do I find the right surgeon?

The best way is to speak to a few surgeons and find out which surgeon you are most comfortable with. At Holiday Health, we can connect you to reputable and reliable surgeons. We strongly suggest you take into consideration that the surgeon you choose:

• is reputable and trustworthy;
• has a proven track record;
• is registered with or accredited by their local government or the governing medical body or association;
• has never been disqualified from practising anywhere in the world;
• has never been found guilty of endangering a patient’s life; and
• has never been found guilty of malpractice.

You should also include any preferences you might have. For example, you might be more comfortable with a female doctor, or someone who has more experience.

Important 

Before your procedure, you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you would like to achieve with your surgeon. Communication is vital in reaching your goals. Ensure you communicate your vision clearly to your surgeon and re-confirm the intended procedure to ensure there is no miscommunication. Your surgeon will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure, and what long-term benefits and side-effects you may experience. Every patient is different, and your specialist will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and which vitamins and medications should be taken or avoided.

Please note. The information found on this website is purely for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for its exactness or for its accuracy for your specific situation and/or for your specific procedure. The information provided is not a substitute for advice from your physician / surgeon as it may not contain all the known facts, risks and side effects of this procedure. Please consult with your physician / surgeon about your personal circumstances and about your personal procedure / treatment plan. We take no responsibility for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or for any loss or damage suffered by you in relation to the services we provide to you, or the information provided on our website.