Spinal Cord Stimulation

Abstract This chapter presents the case of a man who suffers from chronic back and leg pain despite spinal surgery, generally referred to as failed back surgery syndrome. Because his pain did not respond to drug medications and was predominantly neuropathic, he appears to be a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation. The latter has been mainly studied in failed back surgery syndrome, with best candidates being those with predominant radicular pain, in complex regional pain syndrome, and in diabetic painful neuropathy. Decisions should be taken after pluriprofessional assessment, including advice from a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Newer technologies include high- to very high-frequency stimulations of generally short duration and low amplitude, burst stimulation, and dorsal root ganglion stimulation.