Peripheral nerve stimulation: a treatment for chronic low back pain and failed back surgery syndrome?

Objective.  This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of peripheral nerve stimulation as a treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods.  More than 12 months, we collected data on consecutive patients who had successful trials and were subsequently implanted with octrode percutaneous leads placed subcutaneously within the major area of pain. Eleven patients met diagnostic criteria for failed back surgery syndrome. A questionnaire assessed outcomes including: pain, analgesic use, and patient satisfaction. The response rate was 93% (13/14): average follow-up time was seven months. Results.  There was a significant decrease in pain levels: an average reduction of 3.77 visual analog scale points. Eleven patients (85%) reported successful outcomes and an average pain reduction of 4.18 points but two reported a poor response. Pain relief was highly correlated with reduced analgesia and patient satisfaction. No complications were reported. Conclusion.  This study demonstrates a treatment option that is safe, nonpharmacologic, reversible, and effective for patients with chronic low back pain that have exhausted other treatment options.