I have chronic neck pain that turn into migraines. My left arm and shoulder tingle and burn. Disc replacement surgery was either to late or the damage from it rupturing, hurt my nerves. Will have had my surgery 2 years ago in September. My pain doc has recommended scs. I hate the way meds make me feel and the pain never goes away. I have permanent damage to the c7 nerve root. I've read alot here for the use of scs for the lower spine. Any HELP will be greatly appreciated. THANKS

I feel for you re. the meds .. I agree, they don't take the pain away. I think the only beneficial one has been paracetamol, and that hits nowhere near .. but as for opiates, well, I believe they only disassociate you from the pain ... be far healthier having a spliff in my opinion.

I think a SCS will certainly help you with the tingling and burning. Someone will be by shortly who has had help re. the cervical spine, am sure !

Hi Showdy,

I too feel for you, in my opinion the paracetamol are a bit like smarties and I hate the opiates, I hate the way they make me feel and the fact that they don't work either.

I too have a SCS, since last December. It works really well for my left side back and left leg so obviously I haven't a clue about the arm and neck. It has literally saved my life and I wouldn't think twice about putting it in.

I dunno, I guess do as much research as you can, here is a good start, talk to your doctor, ask tons of questions and hopefully you and you're family will come to some good decision.

Wishing you every luck and I hope the pain gets easier.

All the best,

Sophie

The group here is fairly active and strives to share information which may help fill in with reports pertinent to your situation. I know Fionab had twin SCS implants one for lower spine/legs, and one for upper spine. I believe she has been lurking and have not seen her on here in a while. Maybe reading her name in this message will prompt her to turn in a remark or two.

In the meantime, I do know reliance on my SCS and cushion on which I sit have helped me to wean totally away from pain medications since August 2010. I am glad to have a mind freed of the medicinal fog.

May you find all you need by way of feedback and research, and if I may answer any questions for you, fire away.....
All the best,
Mark56

Thank you all for your responses. It amazes me how many people have an scs implant. I didn't even know it existed until a month ago. My doc told me that I wouldn't be able to bend or turn my head for 4 to 6 weeks due to risk of the leads slipping but, when I'm miserable, my shoulders stay shrugged and my head leans forward.so hopefully the scs will work so I can relax my shoulders.I have the trial next week and I'm praying it works.

Hi Showdy- FOLLOW DOC'S DIRECTIONS closely. You want to make sure it scars in well. I will be praying with you that all goes well.

Be well,
Mark56zzzzz

I recently had a cervical paddle lead implant, and then a revision surgery because the lead moved. I was in a cervical collar for 6 weeks, with no bending, lifting of more than 5lbs, or twisting. The first time around they were able to get excellent coverage, for a few weeks. After the lead moved they were unable to ever achieve the coverage. Now it seems to be making my pain worse so I'll be going back to my neurosurgeon and programmer this week to see if we can do something to help. For now I have to leave it off.

From my understanding, cervical implants are much rarer. You may want to ask your doctor how many he has done. When I did I found out my first doctor had NEVER done was, I was going to be the first. I found a different surgeon with much more experience. I may not be happy with the stimulation but I'm certainly happy not to have had to many additional complications that can occur.

Please feel free to PM if you have any questions. I wish you the best of luck with your trial. I felt for a few weeks the wonderful pain relief it can provide.

Eli
http://rsdburningsacrifice.blogspot.com