Several folks have sent me pm's regarding questions to ask physicians prior to making the decision to implant Spinal Cord Stimulators to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Pain. I have since developed a checklist that I hope is a helpful tool and will promote critical thinking, in depth personal research and self advocacy.

1) What specialized training have you received regarding Spinal Cord Stimulators and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

2) What is the source of your training for implantation of the device being considered for me?

3) What research articles can you provide to me demonstrating the safety and long term effectiveness of Spinal Cord Stimulators for treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome pain?

4) What research or written documentation generated by the manufacturer of the device being considered for me can you provide, documenting the safety and long term effectiveness of Spinal Cord Stimulator for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

5) What is the Spinal Cord Stimulator failure rate for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome patients for the device that would be implanted in my body?

6) What is the revision surgery rate for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome patients for the device that would be implanted in my body? What is the failure rate for those surgical revisions?

7) What are the odds that implantation of the Spinal Cord Stimulator will cause a spread of my Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or ignite neuropathic pain at the incision sites?

8) Does the manufacturer of the Spinal Cord Stimulator being considered for me recommend implantation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Patients? If yes may I review that documentation? If no, on what basis do you install Spinal Cord Stimulators in Patients with Complex regional Pain Syndrome?

9) May I review the physicians clinical manual produced by the manufacturer for the device that would be implanted in my body?

10) What is the average revenue generated to your practice by a standard, uncomplicated Spinal Cord implantation?

11) What percentage of your practice's revenue is generated by Spinal Cord Stimulator implantation and revision surgeries?