Posted by Michael Wonder on 04 Feb 2022
To hell and back: devices meant to ease pain are causing trauma
5 February 2022 - A $35,000 treatment at the forefront of medical technology which pumps electric pulses into the spine of patients with chronic back pain is leaving some incontinent, unable to walk or, in a few cases, dead.
An investigation by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald reveals spinal cord stimulators, or the operations to install them, have led to 520 serious complications being reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, though manufacturers of the devices say the therapy is proven to be both safe and effective.
