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Post-operative care

Once the neurostimulation system is in place you will be advised to limit your activities during the first day or so.  This is to reduce the risk of lead movement, which would reduce the effectiveness of the neurostimulator. Typical post-operation care instructions are:


Immediately after surgery
  • Stay in bed for 10–12 hours or according to your doctor’s instructions. Bed rest reduces the risk of lead movement
  • Raise the head of your bed by around 20 degrees for the first night to support your spine

The day after surgery
  • Walk for brief periods to build up your physical strength, keeping your back as straight as possible to prevent lead movement

For 6–8 weeks after surgery

YOU SHOULD:

  • Minimise your efforts and movements to allow your body to create a scar around the lead to help prevent it moving around
  • Obtain approval from your own doctor before having your spine manipulated by a chiropractor or another doctor
  • Move the upper part of your trunk as one (i.e. the head should not be turned without also turning the hips)
  • Build up your strength by walking for brief periods each day or going to physiotherapy, according to your doctor’s instructions

You will also be taught in hospital how to turn the stimulator on or off and how to use the patient programmer which comes with the neurostimulator. Advice will be given on what could interfere with it.  For example, CT scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, radiation treatment and diathermy.
Side effects and problems with neurostimulation are rare. But, neurostimulation requires an operation and as with any operation there are some risks. These include infection, bleeding and pain.

Last updated: 22 Sep 2010