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Getting a Spinal Cord Stimulator? Here’s Why Occupational Therapy Matters

 Getting a Spinal Cord Stimulator? Here’s Why Occupational Therapy Matters

Living with chronic pain from conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) can be incredibly challenging - physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you’re considering a spinal cord stimulator (also called an implantable neuromodulator) as part of your pain management plan, it’s important to know that surgery is just one part of the journey. At LifeWorks Occupational Therapy, we support individuals both before and after spinal cord stimulator implantation to help you get the best possible outcomes.


What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord to help reduce pain. While it doesn’t remove the source of the pain, it can change how pain signals are processed by the nervous system. These devices are typically used for people who haven’t responded to other treatments. But here’s what often gets missed: even if the device works well, your body, habits, and daily activities still need to adapt. That’s where occupational therapy comes in.


What Are Neuromodulators?

Implantable neuromodulators, or spinal cord stimulators (SCS), are medical devices designed to help manage chronic pain. A neuromodulator boosts the central nervous system’s inhibition of pain, providing relief for conditions that don’t respond well to traditional pain treatments. The device consists of a small pulse generator implanted under the skin, connected to electrodes that are implanted near the spinal cord. Patients can control the intensity and frequency of stimulation via a remote.


How Does It Work?

Sometimes, patients are given a trial before permanent implantation. The spinal cord stimulator delivers low-level electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which boosts the central nervous system's inhibition of pain. This is known as "neuromodulation" - modifying the way the nervous system processes pain. For many patients, this therapy reduces their reliance on pain medications and offers an alternative to other pain management methods, such as surgery or opioid treatments.


The Role of Occupational Therapy Before and After Implantation

At LifeWorks, our occupational therapists work closely with individuals preparing for spinal cord stimulation to ensure their bodies and routines are ready for change. This process is called prehabilitation, and it can involve:

  • Assessing your current physical function and activity levels

  • Identifying daily tasks that may be impacted by surgery or pain

  • Teaching safe movement strategies to reduce strain post-op

  • Helping you set realistic goals and expectations


Following implantation, rehabilitation focuses on:

  • Protecting the implant site and promoting healing

  • Gradually returning to meaningful activities and routines

  • Improving movement, strength, and confidence

  • Supporting your independence and self-management

  • Collaborating with your broader care team to monitor and adjust goals


Your recovery doesn’t stop at surgery. In fact, therapy can often make the difference between “just managing” and truly improving your quality of life.


What to Expect

Each person’s rehabilitation journey is different. Our team will tailor a program to suit your needs, whether that includes pain management strategies, pacing and energy conservation, or improving how you move throughout the day. We work in partnership with your medical team and can also help monitor how well the device is supporting your function - helping you adjust as needed along the way.


Let’s Work Together

If you’ve been recommended a spinal cord stimulator or are in the process of preparing for one, speak to our team about how occupational therapy can support your recovery - before and after implantation.


📞 Call us on (08) 7082 0622
 📧 Email reception@lifeworksot.com.au
 🕘 Available Monday to Friday, 8:30-4:30pm


Live Life Well - with the right support, at the right time.




References:

International Neuromodulation Society. (2023). What is neuromodulation?
Evancho A, Tyler WJ, McGregor K. A review of combined neuromodulation and physical therapy interventions for enhanced neurorehabilitation.


https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S109471592500145X

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