Spinal Cord Stimulation Can Relieve Low Back Pain

Spinal cord stimulation effectively manages a range of painful etiologies, but little published evidence supports its use for axial low back pain. The researchers studied 226 spinal cord stimulators (Precision™, Advanced Bionics) implanted in patients with axial low back pain to assess the therapeutic value of spinal cord stimulation in treating axial back pain associated with failed back surgery syndrome. Pain scores, quality of life, and disability assessments were gathered at three, six, and 12 months after activation of the spinal cord stimulation system and compared to baseline measures. Additional assessments were made at 3.5 months after a two-week period of no stimulation.

The investigators found that spinal cord stimulation significantly reduced axial low back pain, and when present, leg and foot pain, from baseline at all time points. With stimulation off, pain scores returned to near baseline. Quality of life and disability also significantly improved with spinal cord stimulation. Of 226 temporary trials, 172 (76%) were successful, and 159 subjects (70%) received permanent implants. Reported here are outcome data for all subjects through 3.5 months, and for those subjects who have completed six- and 12-month evaluations. A subsequent report will include all 12-month data. This study represents the largest prospective experience reported to date for spinal cord stimulation in axial low back pain.

Investigators: Benchmark Clinical Study Working Group, Advanced Bionics, Valencia, CA; Jim Thacker, MS, Enteromedics, St. Paul, MN; Todd Gross, PhD, Advanced Bionics, Valencia, CA; and Allison Foster, PhD, Advanced Bionics, Valencia, CA.