Should My Elderly Parent Have Surgery?

An Important Note About SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulation)

This page has mentioned SCS as one of the treatment options. We want to be transparent: SCS is not yet widely known as a treatment, and here is why.

Why Isn't It Better Known?

SCS is well established in Western countries, but in some regions it has not yet been widely adopted by all orthopedic or neurosurgical spine specialists. As a result, your parent's current doctor may not be familiar with SCS. This does not mean it's unproven — it simply reflects how awareness of newer therapies can lag behind the evidence.

The Perspective of This Site's Supervising Physician

The orthopedic spine surgeon who supervises this site has over 20 years of experience treating spinal conditions. Based on that clinical experience, particularly for elderly patients who would need multi-level fusion surgery, SCS is worth exploring before committing to a major operation.

For Family Members

• Start by reading about SCS on this site to see if it might be relevant to your parent's situation
• Bring it up with your parent's doctor. A doctor who is open-minded will be willing to discuss it or refer you to a specialist center
• If the current doctor is not familiar with SCS, don't give up — specialist centers and consultations are available

SCS is not an unproven treatment. It is a recognized medical procedure covered by health insurance, using regulatory-approved medical devices. It's simply not yet on every doctor's radar. By learning about it, you can help ensure your parent has access to every available option.