A spinal cord stimulator can be an option for some people living with chronic pain when other approaches have not provided sufficient relief.
Before a spinal cord stimulator trial or permanent implantation, a psychological evaluation is commonly included as part of the overall assessment process.
Our spinal cord stimulator psychological evaluations are completed virtually by video.
Why Is a Psychological Evaluation Needed for a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Chronic pain affects much more than the area of the body where pain is experienced. It can influence sleep, mood, relationships, daily activity, employment, stress levels, and overall quality of life.
A spinal cord stimulator psychological evaluation looks at these factors and helps your treatment team understand how psychological and behavioral factors may affect your experience with spinal cord stimulation.
The evaluation does not determine whether your pain is “real.” Chronic pain is a complex medical condition, and psychological screening is one part of the broader process used when considering spinal cord stimulation.
What Does the Evaluation Cover?
A spinal cord stimulator evaluation may explore areas including:
- Your history of chronic pain
- The effect of pain on daily life
- Previous treatments and your experiences with them
- Your understanding of spinal cord stimulation
- Expectations regarding pain relief and functioning
- Mental health history
- Current symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional concerns
- Stress and coping strategies
- Substance-use history
- Sleep and daily functioning
- Family or social support
- Your ability to participate in treatment and long-term device management
Standardized psychological questionnaires or assessment measures may also be used.
Understanding Expectations
Spinal cord stimulation is generally intended to help reduce pain and improve function rather than guarantee complete elimination of chronic pain.
Part of the psychological evaluation involves making sure you understand the treatment, what it may realistically accomplish, and what will be expected of you during the trial and following implantation.
Having realistic expectations is an important part of preparing for treatment.
Mental Health and Chronic Pain
Depression, anxiety, stress, and changes in mood are common considerations when someone has lived with chronic pain for an extended period.
Identifying these concerns does not automatically mean that someone cannot proceed with spinal cord stimulation.
The evaluation helps identify factors that may need additional attention and provides information that can be considered by you and your medical team as treatment decisions are made.
What to Expect
Your evaluation is conducted virtually by video with a licensed mental health professional.
You will discuss your pain history, previous treatment, current functioning, expectations regarding spinal cord stimulation, and relevant psychological and behavioral factors.
The evaluation may also include standardized psychological assessment measures depending on the requirements of your physician, treatment program, or insurance provider.
