Optimising Your Pain Therapy

There are a number of things you can do to help ensure you get the most from spinal cord stimulation. Take an active role in your pain therapy by following these suggestions.

• Keep all appointments with your doctor.
• As your activities vary throughout the day, your pain may change. Your MyStim^® Patient Programmer allows you to turn stimulation on and off, switch from one group to another, and adjust parameters.
• Get comfortable with your patient programmer so you can adjust parameters as needed. The MyStim Patient Programmer quick reference guide can help you become familiar with the controls and icons.
  • Quick Guide for Programming RestoreSensor
  • Quick Guide for Programming Other Neurostimulators
  • Or watch videos about how to use your programmer.
• Follow the treatment plan developed by your doctor, including sessions with a physical therapist as prescribed.
• Tell your doctor if you are not feeling well, if you are having problems with your therapy, or if you are not receiving adequate pain relief.
• Be aware of the remaining battery life in your neurostimulator. If you have a rechargeable device, use your patient programmer to check your battery level. If you have a non-rechargeable neurostimulator, your doctor will be able to tell you how much battery life is left.
• If you have a rechargeable device, regularly charge the neurostimulator to keep the charge level from depleting to the point where stimulation will stop. Make it a habit to recharge while watching a movie or your favourite TV show.
• Avoid activities requiring excessive twisting or stretching that put undue stress on the implanted components. This could lead to damage or movement of parts and a loss of stimulation.
• Review your goals regularly with your doctor. Are you achieving them? Is your neurostimulator helping you reach your goals? What adjustments need to be made?