Treatment of Multifocal Pain with Spinal Cord Stimulation

Introduction: We report a retrospective case study of combined treatment of cancer-related pain and chronic low back and lower extremity pain related to postlaminectomy syndrome (PLS) with one spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system. Methods: The patient underwent an uneventful SCS trial with percutaneous placement of two temporary eight-electrode leads (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN) placed at the level of T8-T9-T10 and T5-T6-T7. Results: After successful trial, he was implanted with permanent leads and generator, reporting sustained pain relief at 12-month follow-up visit. Discussion: SCS is a trialable, reversible, and interactive therapy permitting patients to control the level of stimulation they feel based on their degree of pain. Conclusion: SCS provides an effective, alternative treatment for select patients with cancer-related chest wall pain and pain related to PLS who have failed conservative treatment.