After Surgery: Spinal Cord Stimulation
Practical guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, recovery milestones, medication, and when to call your team.
What's Normal After Surgery
Expected Symptoms
- Soreness and bruising at the back incision and battery pocket (buttock/flank/abdomen)
- Mild fatigue — this is your body healing
- Temporary changes in stimulation coverage — swelling and healing can change what you feel
- Mild swelling or a "full" feeling at the pocket site
Incision Care
Keep Incisions Clean & Dry
During the trial period:
- No showering — keep the leads and dressing completely dry
- No soaking (bath, pool, hot tub)
- Do not apply lotions, ointments, or powders unless instructed
- Do not pull or adjust the leads where they exit the skin
For permanent implants:
- Keep the dressing clean and dry for the first 48 hours
- After 48 hours you may remove the dressing and shower — let water run gently over the incision; do not scrub
- Gently wash with mild soap and water, rinse well, and pat dry with a clean towel
- No soaking (bath, pool, hot tub) until cleared — commonly at least 2 weeks
- Leave the incision open to air after washing (unless told otherwise)
Watch Closely for Infection
Call your team if you notice any of the following:
- Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or worsening pain
- Pus-like drainage or bad odor
- Wound opening
- Fever
Stitches & skin glue: Your incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches under the skin that do not need to be removed. Skin glue may also be used over the incisions — this will normally flake away on its own over time. If this was a trial, the temporary leads are removed in the office at the end of your trial (usually about a week), which is quick and simple. You will have a wound check about 1–2 weeks after surgery — please contact the office to confirm your appointment.
Activity Restrictions
These restrictions protect your leads while they stabilize in position. Early lead movement can reduce or change stimulation coverage — and is the most common reason patients need reprogramming or revision.
✕ Avoid
- Bending at the waist (use your knees instead)
- Twisting (turn your whole body, not your spine)
- Sudden reaching, stretching, or "jarring" movements
- Heavy lifting (anything heavier than a gallon of milk)
- Strenuous exercise until cleared
✓ Do
- Walk daily as tolerated — increase gradually
- Keep movements slow and controlled
- Use your knees when bending down
- Turn your whole body instead of twisting
Driving: Do not drive while taking opioid pain medication or if you feel foggy or dizzy. Ask your team when it's okay to resume — timing depends on pain control and recovery.
Device Use & Programming
What to Expect
- You'll be taught how to use your patient controller and what "safe adjustments" look like
- Early on, coverage may change — this is common during healing
- Expect follow-up visits for programming optimization (often several visits)
- If your system is rechargeable, follow the charging plan you were given
Don't place pressure directly on a healing incision during charging. Your team will show you how to position the charger comfortably.
Pain Control & Medication
Medication guidance
✓ You may take
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500–650 mg every 4–6 hours as needed for pain or headaches. Use prescribed pain medication only as directed — most patients do not need it for more than a few days.
✕ Do not take without clearance
Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), meloxicam, or any NSAIDs for at least 1 week. No blood thinners (Coumadin/warfarin, Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto, Brilinta) unless instructed by your neurosurgical team.
Constipation is common — especially with opioids. Stay hydrated, eat fiber, and use stool softener or laxative as your team recommends.
Patient FAQs
Why so many movement restrictions?
What if my stimulation suddenly changes or my relief drops?
Do I need a psychological evaluation?
When to Seek Urgent Care
- Fever with chills, or worsening incision redness or drainage
- New leg weakness, new numbness, severe back pain with neurologic symptoms, or loss of bowel/bladder control
- Severe headache — especially if worse when sitting or standing and better lying down
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting