A Medtronic Pain Management Resource

Common Questions

As an ongoing resource for you, Medtronic is happy to answer questions about your Medtronic Pain Therapy. Below we've included some common questions with corresponding answers from our Medtronic Patient Services team.

Neurostimulation
Drug Delivery System

Neurostimulation

Q: Does Medtronic recommend any support groups for patients with the Medtronic neurostimulation system to treat their chronic pain?

Doctor and patient looking at a model of a spine

A: While Medtronic does not recommend any specific support group over another, we do understand that it is important for people in chronic pain and their families, friends or caregivers to connect with others who are in similar situations. Support groups are often sponsored by hospitals, national and local chronic pain societies, and community social services. Support groups may meet in a community near you or may be available online. We encourage you and your families, friends or caregivers to take advantage of support groups and the valuable resources they provide. (Please refer to Other Resources listed below for examples.)

Q: Now that I have the neurostimulation system for chronic back pain, do I need to continue following previous guidelines for good back care?

A: Yes, it is important to continue to follow guidelines for good back care as directed by your physician. The goal of the neurostimulation system is to decrease the level of chronic pain. While the neurostimulation system may allow you to feel better and have less pain, the original cause of the pain still exists. The neurostimulation system does not correct an injury or reverse disease progression. Please discuss your level and types of activities with the physician managing your neurostimulation system. Strenuous and repetitive bending, twisting, bouncing, or stretching activities may disconnect or move the lead. Consult your managing physician before beginning such activities.

Q: Should I be concerned about interference between my neurostimulation system and medical tests or procedures?

A: As you and your healthcare provider(s) continue to manage your overall health, various medical or diagnostic tests and procedures may be recommended. Some of the equipment used in the tests and procedures in a medical environment generate a field of energy referred to as electromagnetic interference (EMI). If the EMI is strong enough, you may experience a change in the effectiveness of the neurostimulation system, the system may be damaged, and it may cause harm to you. Not all healthcare providers may be aware that some recommended medical tests or procedures may cause damage to the neurostimulation system. In addition to EMI, there are other things in the medical environment that can impact your neurostimulation system. As a precaution, we recommend that you inform your healthcare provider(s) that you have a neurostimulation system and request your healthcare provider contact Medtronic to review compatibility guidelines prior to any medical test or procedure.

Other Resources:

American Pain Foundation www.painfoundation.org
American Pain Society www.ampainsoc.org
American Chronic Pain Association www.theacpa.org
National Pain Foundation www.nationalpainfoundation.org

Drug Delivery

Q: Does Medtronic recommend any support groups for patients with the Medtronic drug delivery system to treat their chronic pain?

A: While Medtronic does not recommend any specific support group over another, we do understand that it is important for people in chronic pain and their families, friends or caregivers to connect with others who are in similar situations. Support groups are often sponsored by hospitals, national and local chronic pain societies, and community social services. Support groups may meet in a community near you or may be available online. We encourage you and your families, friends or caregivers to take advantage of support groups and the valuable resources they provide. (Please refer to Other Resources listed below for examples.)

Q: Now that I have the drug delivery system for chronic back pain, do I need to continue following previous guidelines for good back care?

A: Yes, it is important to continue to follow guidelines for good back care as directed by your physician. The goal of the drug delivery system is to decrease the level of chronic pain. While the drug delivery system may allow you to feel better and have less pain, the original cause of the pain still exists. The drug delivery system does not correct an injury or reverse disease progression. Please discuss your level and types of activities with the physician managing your drug delivery system. Strenuous and repetitive bending, twisting, bouncing, or stretching activities may disconnect or move the catheter. Consult your managing physician before beginning such activities.

Q: Should I be concerned about interference between my drug delivery system and medical tests or procedures?

A: As you and your Healthcare provider(s) continue to manage your overall health, various medical or diagnostic tests and procedures may be recommended. Some of the equipment used in the tests and procedures in a medical environment generate a field of energy referred to as electromagnetic interference (EMI). If the EMI is strong enough, you may experience a change in the effectiveness of the drug delivery system, the system may be damaged, and it may cause harm to you. Not all healthcare providers may be aware that some recommended medical tests or procedures may cause damage to the drug delivery system. In addition to EMI, there are other things in the medical environment that can impact your drug delivery system. As a precaution, we recommend that you inform your healthcare provider(s) that you have a drug delivery system and request your healthcare provider contact Medtronic to review compatibility guidelines prior to any medical test or procedure.