Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Spinal-Stim spinal fusion system and how will it help me?
- How does Spinal-Stim work?
- Is Spinal-Stim safe?
- What will Spinal-Stim treatment feel like? How will it affect my daily activities?
- What is my daily treatment time?
- Do I need to wear the Spinal-Stim at the same time each day?
- Can I wear the Spinal-Stim with a TENS unit or cardiac pacemaker?
- How long will it take to heal with Spinal-Stim?
- Who do I call if I have a question?
What is the Spinal-Stim spinal fusion system and how will it help me?
The Spinal-Stim spinal fusion system is a safe, non-surgical treatment your surgeon has prescribed to aid the healing of your spinal fusion. Spinal-Stim is a bone growth stimulator, which uses a very low-strength pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) to activate the body's natural healing process.
Electrical currents have been used to heal bones since the mid-1800s. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that scientists made an important discovery. When human bone is bent or broken, it generates an electrical field. This low-level electrical field activates the body's internal repair mechanism, which in turn stimulates bone healing.
Bone growth stimulation therapy was initially used to stimulate the natural healing process in long bone fractures. The treatment proved so successful that scientists studied its effectiveness in healing spinal fusions. The results showed that, when Spinal-Stim is used following spine surgery, fusion success could be increased when compared to surgery without Spinal-Stim treatment.
How does Spinal-Stim work?
Using electricity, Spinal-Stim generates a low level magnetic signal at the fusion site. This signal stimulates your own normal bone healing process. The unit may be worn over an orthopedic brace or clothing without lessening its effectiveness.
Is Spinal-Stim safe?
Yes. Spinal-Stim produces a signal at the fusion site like the one your own body generates to induce normal bone healing. The PEMF therapy emitted by Spinal-Stim was specially designed with your safety in mind, and is similar in strength to what you're exposed to naturally from the magnetic field of the earth. Many thousands of patients have worn the device to increase the probability of fusion success. Spinal-Stim may be safely used with surgical hardware. You should not wear the device if you have a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator. The effect of PEMF treatment during pregnancy or nursing has not been studied. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor if you suspect you may be pregnant.
What will Spinal-Stim treatment feel like? How will it affect my daily activities?
You won't feel the PEMF therapy, and the Spinal-Stim unit is lightweight and adjustable for a comfortable fit. It may be worn alone, or over a back brace. It is powered with a battery, which allows the unit to be portable. You can sit, stand, sleep, walk, recline, and drive while using Spinal-Stim. With your surgeon's approval, you can resume a normal activity level.
What is my daily treatment time?
Spinal-Stim treatment is based on a daily therapy schedule. Your doctor will prescribe the device for a certain number of hours each day, based on your needs. The minimum daily treatment time is two hours per day.
Do I need to wear the Spinal-Stim at the same time each day?
No. You have the flexibility to receive your treatment at any time during the day. The device has a built in 24 hour clock which allows for treatment each day between the hours of 12:00 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time. Additionally, you may choose to break your total daily prescribed treatment into a number of shorter sessions lasting at least one hour each, in accordance with your doctor's instructions.
Can I wear the Spinal-Stim with a TENS unit or cardiac pacemaker?
Spinal-Stim can be used with a TENS unit. However, use of the device with an implanted cardiac pacemaker is prohibited.
How long will it take to heal with Spinal-Stim?
The healing process itself determines the duration of the treatment, and your surgeon will closely monitor your progress. Your individual risk factors (such as smoking, multilevel fusion, and graft type) and your compliance in wearing Spinal-Stim will factor into the duration of your treatment. To promote your healing, it is very important that you wear Spinal-Stim as prescribed. Your doctor may require that you bring your unit in on your follow-up visits to check your compliance. Most patients wear the device between three and nine months.
Who do I call if I have a question?
Customers may call the Orthofix Customer Service line: 1-800-535-4492.
