Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This is a multicenter prospective study of patients who currently have stably implanted spinal cord simulators. Patients will be randomly assigned to turn on or off their spinal cord stimulators for two week intervals up to six weeks after enrollment, and on the final day of study participation, for one hour intervals, in a multi-crossover design. In a subset of patients we will also perform combined positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, week 2 and week 4.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants maintain a stable dose of opioids throughout the study. If you are taking benzodiazepines, you may need to stop, except for specific ones like alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam, and you must have stopped at least five half-lives ago for certain imaging parts of the study.
Is spinal cord stimulation generally safe for treating chronic pain?
How does spinal cord stimulation differ from usual care for chronic pain?
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a unique treatment for chronic pain that involves implanting a device to send electrical impulses to the spinal cord, which can help reduce pain signals. Unlike usual care, which may include medications or physical therapy, SCS is an invasive procedure typically considered when other treatments have not been effective.56789
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Spinal Cord Stimulation for chronic pain?
Research shows that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can significantly reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life for people with chronic pain, such as those with failed back surgery syndrome and neuropathic pain. Studies have found that SCS provides better pain relief compared to conventional medical management and placebo treatments.24101112
Who Is on the Research Team?
Brian Wainger, MD PhD
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-80 with chronic pain from failed back surgery, who have a spinal cord stimulator implanted. They must be able to give consent and report on their pain and function. People can't join if they have severe physical or mental health issues, are not on stable opioid doses, or can't distinguish their back surgery pain from other types.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants will have their spinal cord stimulators turned on or off for two-week intervals, up to six weeks after enrollment, in a multi-crossover design
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Spinal Cord Stimulator Set to Minimal/No Stimulation Setting
- Usual Care
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborator