Hi Shelby,

I don't know the manufacturer of the device you have chosen but Boston Scientific is a good example. Boston Scientific gives lots of grant dollars to prove the safety and long term effectiveness of their Spinal Coed Stimulators. They have rejected all proposals to put their device to the test for CRPS because they know that there is no long term benefit and the risk of spread and failure rate is high.

Boston Scientific is currently funding research for failed back syndrome, which has been a mainstay of their advertisements for years. It is already well documented that SCS by Boston Scientific and other manufacturers are safe and effective long term for failed back syndrome.

Boston Scientific's application to the FDA for approval of their device included research that did not support their SCS's safety and long term effectiveness for CRPS. Their own physician's clinical manual does not recommend the device for CRPS.

When reviewing success stories as well as failures for Spinal Cord Stimulator implantation to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, please be mindful of the length of time the device has been in place for the successes as well as for the failures. Also be mindful of the fact that Spinal Cord stimulators do not stop the progression of CRPS and many times can ignite a spread. Additionally, spinal cord stimulators only disguise the pain signals and do nothing to reboot the nerves. A positive SCS trial has no bearing on future success with CRPS, unlike other conditions like failed back syndrome, which has a very low failure rate.

Please consider tDCS which deals with the root of the illness, has no side effects, no tolerance build up and is not invasive.

You have nothing to loose by trying it prior to SCS implantation.

Hoping that better days are ahead for you!