Reevaluating Spinal Cord Stimulators: High Costs and Limited Effectiveness Raise Concerns

Recent research from the University of Sydney highlights significant issues with surgically implanted spinal cord stimulators, a common intervention aimed at alleviating lower back pain. These devices work by delivering electrical impulses to the spinal cord to disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Despite their widespread use, the study reveals that spinal cord stimulators are not only costly but also pose substantial health risks, including the need for repeated surgical interventions. Alarmingly, about 25% of patients who receive these implants require corrective surgery due to device-related complications, often within just three years of initial implantation.

The study, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, analyzed data from five Australian private health insurers. It found that the median time to reintervention is merely 17 months, indicating that patients and the healthcare system face ongoing costs and risks much sooner than expected. First-time trial implant costs are approximately $14,000, while permanent implants average around $55,000. Some cases even exceed half a million dollars due to complications.

Dr. Caitlin Jones, lead author and researcher, expressed concern over the devices’ poor performance and associated harms. "These devices do not effectively reduce pain and carry a high risk of adverse events such as infections or increased pain," she stated. The evidence challenges the widespread use of spinal cord stimulators for lower back pain, which remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over 600 million people.

While the technique has gained popularity—with over 5,000 devices implanted in Australia during 2023–24—current research indicates that their clinical benefit is questionable. A 2023 Cochrane Review concluded that spinal cord stimulators are no more effective than a placebo, and in 2024, reports revealed that 79% of related adverse events were severe, with 13% life-threatening.

Despite these findings, the use of spinal cord stimulators persists. Dr. Jones points out the need for further research into why healthcare providers continue to recommend and implant these devices despite mounting evidence of limited benefit and high risks.

As alternatives, experts recommend various non-invasive strategies to manage chronic back pain. These include education, exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Emerging therapies such as sensorimotor retraining and cognitive functional therapy show promise and may offer safer, more effective options for patients.

The study underscores the importance of reexamining current treatment protocols for chronic back pain and urges the medical community to consider safer, evidence-based approaches. The persistent use of unproven and risky interventions like spinal cord stimulators calls for a reassessment to ensure patient safety and optimal resource allocation.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-spinal-cord-ineffective-treatment-risky.html