A Medtronic Pain Management Resource

Common Questions

Q: What factors does a physician consider in determining whether a patient would benefit from the neurostimulation or drug delivery system?

Doctor and patient looking at a model of a spine

A: A person’s pain can be influenced by many factors which can make diagnosing chronic pain conditions very challenging for medical professionals. The most challenging aspect is that people experience pain differently. The intensity and feeling of pain can differ greatly from one individual to another and it can change over time. A person’s perception and experience of pain can also be influenced by culture, emotional state, and physical illness.

Generally, pain can be classified according to the source of injury:

  • Nociceptive – Injury to tissue other than nerve tissue. Usually experienced as an aching or throbbing pain, but can also be a sharp pain. May respond better to the drug delivery system.
  • Neuropathic – Injury to tissue of the nervous system. Can be experienced as a severe burning or shooting pain. May respond better to the neurostimulation system.
  • Mixed pain – A combination of nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Many diseases involve mixed pain and can be treated with either the neurostimulation or drug delivery system.

Q: It seems that many people develop chronic pain as they get older. Do young people ever experience chronic pain?

A: Chronic pain is typically defined as lasting longer than three months. Although chronic pain does appear to increase as a person ages, pain does not have an age boundary, as indicated by the patient story in this issue. Pain can impact an individual at any age, as the result of injury or disease.

Q: Since receiving the neurostimulation or drug delivery system, I have had more energy and would like to resume some of the activities I used to take part in every summer. Are there any guidelines I should follow now that I have a neurostimulation or drug delivery system?

A: Yes, there are general guidelines to keep in mind as you become more active. These guidelines hold true whether you have a neurostimulation or drug delivery system. As a general rule, you should know where your implant is located (neurostimulator/extension/lead or pump/catheter). Although the system components are made as durable as possible, they are still subject to wear. Keep in mind which movements may put strain on the components of the system or the stitches that hold them in place.

Repetitive movements may put undue stress on your neurostimulation or drug delivery system and may cause damage over time. Activities that include sudden, excessive, or repetitive bending, twisting, bouncing, or stretching may damage components or cause them to dislodge. Activities that can damage the implant site or any of the components of the system should be avoided. If damage does occur, additional surgery or replacement may be required. Examples of activities to approach with caution include: horseback riding, tennis, amusement park rides, and running. Always discuss these activities with your physician.