Southwest Washington Medical Center



 
 
Decrease (-) Restore Default Increase (+) Font Size



What to expect after surgery

In general, during the first four to six weeks after your surgery:
  • Don't twist, bend, reach, or otherwise place stress on the leads.
  • Don't lift more than five pounds, as this could cause uncomfortable stimulation.
  • Keep the incision site clean and dry, and check regularly for irritation. Notify your doctor if you develop a fever or experience increased pain at the incision site.
  • Don't raise your arms above your head.
  • Check with your doctor before undergoing any dental or medical procedure.
Your PeaceHealth Southwest pain specialist may have other instructions for you to follow.

Spinal cord stimulation allows you to take control of your pain and provides you with a simple, cordless lifestyle. Because the system was designed to adapt to your life, your changing pain needs can easily be addressed with new programming. For many people, the hardest part of spinal cord stimulation is the waiting period between the test drive and the permanent implant.