Is it true that an implant for pain control requires surgery every year to replace the battery? I don't want to get into that! Isn't it possible in today's advanced technologic world to somehow recharge the batteries and avoid unnecessary surgery?

A spinal cord stimulator, also called a dorsal column stimulator, is an implanted electronic device used to help treat chronic pain. They have been used for over 30 years. The device delivers a low level electrical current through wires. The wires are placed in the area near your spinal cord. The device is similar in size to a pacemaker.

The spinal cord stimulator will not cure your pain. A 50 percent or greater decrease in pain can be expected, however. This should allow you to be more active. Also, need for less pain medication is considered a successful result. A trial with an external device for about a week is done, before having the device implanted.

Some devices are battery powered others have a radiofrequency receiver. The receiver is powered by an externally worn power source. The devices can be programmed to adjust the type and strength of the electric stimulation. The spinal cord stimulator is not necessarily permanent. It may be removed if necessary.

Until recently, the battery-powered device only lasted two to five years. It couldn't be recharged. The device was removed surgically and replaced with another. In the last three to four years, rechargeable systems have been developed. Some companies manufacturing these devices are already promising a battery life of 10 to 25 years.

With fewer replacement costs, the overall costs of this treatment will be reduced in the coming years. instead of replacing batteries every five years (five times over a period of 25 years), replacement will take place two or three times (maybe even only once) in the same time frame. That will be a tremendous benefit to this system.