High-frequency spinal cord stimulation at 10 kHz for widespread pain: a retrospective survey of outcomes from combined cervical and thoracic electrode placements.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the long-term outcomes for patients receiving paraesthesia-free high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF10-SCS) at 10 kHz for the treatment of combined upper and lower body neuropathic/nociplastic pain syndromes including chronic widespread pain/fibromyalgia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients with widespread (both upper and lower body) neuropathic/nociplastic pain syndromes underwent a trial of combined cervical and thoracic HF10-SCS leads placed over the C2/T2 or C2/T9 vertebral levels, or three leads placed over the C2/T2/T9 vertebral levels. Thirty-eight patients proceeded to permanent implant, resulting in a trial to implant conversion rate of 84.4%. Patients were followed up an average of 2.3 ± 1.7 years post-permanent implant. Patient outcomes were recorded.
RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction of 3.5 ± 1.6 on the 10-point numerical rating scale (NRS) at 2.3 ± 1.7 years post-permanent implant was observed (baseline: 7.1 ± 0.8 vs. follow up: 3.7 ± 1.3) (p ≤ 001). Likewise, a reduction in disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) was also observed; baseline: 12.3 ± 5.1 vs. follow up: 7.8 ± 5.9. Similar trends were observed in a working capacity, with 20/31 (64.5%) of the work eligible patients employed at follow-up, compared with only 8/31 (25.8%) at baseline. Opioid pain medication use reduced and over 90% of patients were satisfied with their treatment outcome. No long-term adverse events were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: HF10-SCS at 10 kHz provides long-term widespread pain relief when leads are staggered across the cervical and thoracic spine. The improved return to work outcomes and opiate reductions suggest that cost-effectiveness as well as clinical effectiveness may be achieved with this treatment approach.