Spinal pacemaker is the last resort for chronic pain

MADAM Chu Sai Leong, 51, had lived with chronic pain in her legs and back for more than eight years. So, she was naturally sceptical when her doctor told her about a procedure to implant a spinal cord stimulator which acts like a pacemaker in the spine to reduce the pain.

She had already had three operations to treat her spinal cord injury, but they had done nothing to relieve the pain. The first operation had also left her paralysed and wheelchair-bound with stabbing pains in her legs and back all day long, every day.

The pain was so severe that she had difficulty sleeping. When it got so bad that she could not even get out of bed which was every two or three weeks she had to be hospitalised. Sleeping pills and pain relief medication did nothing for her. Mdm Chu was also unable to work as the pain kept her a virtual prisoner at home.

Pacemaker to the rescue

Two years ago, she decided to have the spinal cord stimulator implanted. She did not see much change immediately after the operation, but a few months later, she realised that the pain which had plagued her for years was no longer bothering her.

Now Mdm Chu does not even think about it, as she no longer feels the pain. I still stay at home watching TV most of the time, but now I can go out without having to worry about the pain.

Most days, she can be found travelling to places in her neighbourhood in her motorised wheelchair, and occasionally, on weekends, enjoying the outdoors at East Coast Park. Now, she even dreams about eventually returning to work.

Associate Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) said that Mdm Chu had one of the most severe levels of pain among his patients, but she has had the best results. Her condition has improved by about 90 per cent, said Prof Ng. She used to spend six months a year in hospital. Im delighted that she is able to enjoy life now. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that her healthy tan now is the result of many hours spent at the beach at East Coast Park.

How it tricks the brain

Mdm Chu is among six patients who have undergone NNIs Surgical Neuromodulation Pain Programme, which is an extension of the pain relief services provided at the Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The programme offers three types of surgeries: spinal cord stimulation, motor cortex stimulation and deep brain stimulation.

See the original post here:
Spinal pacemaker is the last resort for chronic pain