The Functioning of Patients with the Spinal Cord Stimulator

Abstract

Introduction. Despite recent advancement in medical science, the effectiveness of therapies preventing or curing neuropathic pain is still not satisfactory enough. Aim. To assess the functional state of persons with the Spinal Cord Stimulator and their beliefs about pain management. Material and Methods. A total of 44 respondents with the Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) due to pain complaints in the lumbosacral region of the spine participated in the survey, in which the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and the Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire (BPCQ) were applied. Results. Physicians scored 18 points (i.e.: 75.0% of the maximum score) in the RMDQ in their attempts to reduce the experience of pain and the respondents' degree of disability was assessed as 15.8 (±3.2 pts). Conclusions. Pain complaints significantly decreased the quality of life in patients with the neurostimulator. The greatest influence on pain control was ascribed by respondents to physicians' attempts. (JNNN 2016;5(2):53-57