Can you drive with a spinal cord stimulator?

If you’re someone who has undergone spinal cord stimulation (SCS), you might be wondering whether it’s safe for you to get behind the wheel of a car. Good news, thrill-seekers: driving with an SCS device is possible! However, there are still some things that you should keep in mind before hitting the open road.

What Is A Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Before we dive into whether or not driving is allowed while having this implanted medical device, let’s first talk about what it is.

A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) is a surgically implanted device used to treat certain types of chronic pain. It sends electrical impulses to your spinal cord which interfere with nerve signals being sent from the body back to your brain. Think of it as jamming the radio station signal so that all you can hear instead are static noises.

The idea behind SCS therapy comes from something called “Gate Theory,” where nerves can only send a limited amount of information at any given time – meaning if enough “swill” message traffic/pain signals flood these specific nerves simultaneously, they will hit their limit and close off gate access by stopping transmission due to lack space on this particular route taken over by other information electronic bits and pieces… like messages telling our brains how we hurt!

Nowadays people opt for devices when using medication no long work or just do not want anymore side effects.

Safety & Driving

Here comes the juicy part – can I drive now? Yes, but…there are restrictions set depending on each state/country law.

In general one needs clearance post-surgery based doctor’s evaluation about neuromuscular function confirming motor skills necessary for getting us safely around town/roadtrip–with mentioning fairly obvious caveat since every patient will have different recovery times; whereas more strenuous activities could potentially jeopardize healing, so don’t go jumping over any canyons just yet!

Being relaxed, composed and fully alert or mentally focused on the serious matter at hand – which is driving of course ! — also plays a crucial role in ensuring that you’re physically able to handle controls such as steering, braking and accelerating.After major surgery it’s natural feeling slightly “weird”; whatever this really means

If you’re feeling comfortable enough to drive around town or even further distances post-op however…oh wait…let’s put some extra notes here:

  • Be mindful about your surroundings
  • Take breaks along your trip since continuous periods of drives may applied force through your spinal cord into an unintended twisting.
  • Avoid aggressive driving techniques; hard breaking/acceleration may cause increased stress realignment process required by stimulation treatment setup.

How Does My Spinal Cord Stimulator Affect My Driving?

Let’s set some ground rules first: always speak with your doctor before assessing whether you’re cleared for driving after an implantation procedure.

Now let’s jump right into how this little device placed inside our physiques affects us behind the wheel!

Device Placement

Spinal cord stimulators are implanted under the skin between vertebrae using small incisions made initially for testing access prior to permanent instalment.

The position chosen is obviously well thought out by respective surgeon based on efficacy of implanted leads while aiming minimize interference with normal movement people might do so without angst when active (like bending over poolside). They similarly consider distance from chest up top where battery pack will be situated later down line too!. Operators refer patients directly towards drivers-training classes recommended post-operatively not only obtain licensure again sooner than expected but highlight areas could need improvement now that bolstered therapeutic approach taken at comfort level maintaining their principles abilities facilitate healthier living everyday.

Safety Precautions To Consider

It goes without saying that adhering to driving safety practices is extremely important with one of these devices implanted. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests the following guidelines to minimize risk and enhance security on the roadways now that new device is situtated inside your body:

  • Always wear your seatbelt.
  • Don’t use cell phones or engage in any distracting behavior while driving; you want full control at all times!
  • Keep quick access contact info (blood types, insurance policy numbers etc) nearby just in case emergency situations arise where paramedics need this information pronto.

Conclusion

Getting back out on the open road after spinal cord stimulation surgery can be exhilarating — but not until ensuring everything medically safe first! Be sure to speak with your doctor before getting behind the wheel. Drive safely by staying focused, taking breaks when required since healing process could still be happening over period initial months/weeks post-op so reassess these scenario regularly for gradual progress assessment; always remember that wearing a seat belt and avoiding distractions only goes towards protection!. Coordinating with physicians recommended ‘driving clearance’, operators refer advantageous accessible local driver classes as next holistic step too – don’t forget follow recommended safety guidelines when operating vehicles.

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