Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) surgery offers a pathway to managing chronic pain for many individuals. Following this procedure, a common concern for patients involves resuming daily activities, particularly driving. Driving demands full cognitive and physical capabilities, making careful consideration of recovery and limitations essential for safety.
Initial Driving Restrictions
Immediately after spinal cord stimulator surgery, strict driving restrictions are in place. Patients are typically advised to avoid driving for at least two to three weeks post-surgery. This initial prohibition is primarily due to lingering anesthesia effects, which can impair judgment and reaction time. Post-operative pain and discomfort from incision sites can also hinder safe vehicle operation.
During this recovery period, the body needs time to heal and for the implanted device leads to stabilize. Activities like bending, twisting, or stretching are restricted to prevent the leads from moving out of their intended position, which could compromise the stimulator’s effectiveness. A designated driver for the journey home from the hospital is necessary.
Factors Determining Your Driving Readiness
Returning to driving after spinal cord stimulator surgery is a highly individualized process. The surgeon’s specific instructions are paramount and serve as the primary guide for when it is safe to resume driving. Individual recovery rates vary; while incisional pain may subside around four weeks, internal healing and lead stabilization can take up to twelve weeks for the leads to fully heal in place.
Medication use plays a significant role in driving readiness. Patients should not drive while taking narcotic pain medications or muscle relaxants, as these can cause side effects such as drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, and slowed reaction times. Even some over-the-counter pain relievers can impair driving ability. Physical limitations, including lingering pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion, might prevent necessary maneuvers like checking blind spots or executing an emergency stop.
The device’s activation and programming also influence readiness. While the spinal cord stimulator is typically activated shortly after surgery, patients need time to become accustomed to the new sensations it produces. Sudden changes in stimulation can be distracting, so it is important to be fully attentive and comfortable with the device’s settings before driving. Overall alertness and concentration are essential for safe driving, and any factor that compromises these, whether physical, medication-related, or device-related, must be considered.
Safe Driving Practices with a Spinal Cord Stimulator
Once medical clearance is given to resume driving, a gradual reintroduction to the activity is advisable. Starting with short trips in familiar, low-traffic areas can help build confidence and assess comfort levels. It is often recommended to have another person in the car during these initial drives to provide support and ensure safety.
General safe driving practices, such as avoiding distractions, remain important. It is commonly recommended to turn off the spinal cord stimulator’s stimulation before operating a vehicle, especially if it generates paresthesia (tingling sensations). This precaution helps prevent any sudden or unexpected changes in stimulation from distracting the driver. Some newer high-frequency spinal cord stimulators may allow driving with the device on, but this should always be confirmed with the healthcare provider and device manufacturer.
Patients should remain aware of their physical comfort while driving. Listening to the body and taking breaks if discomfort arises is important to prevent fatigue or worsening pain. For instance, prolonged sitting during longer car rides might be uncomfortable for up to a month after surgery. Any new symptoms or concerns related to driving, such as unexpected stimulation changes or increased discomfort, should be discussed with the healthcare provider to ensure ongoing safety and proper device management.