(134) Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Therapy among Active Duty Military Members Decreased Opioid Therapy and Improves Overall Pain

Abstract

Active duty military members (ADMM) are at greater risk of developing chronic pain compared to civilians. The use of opioids for chronic pain can impact ADMM ability to remain in the military. Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) are a treatment option for some ADMM to manage pain and increase functioning. The objective of this quality improvement project was to determine if SCS implantation improves outcomes for ADMM. This project compared a sub-sample of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) SCS Cohort: patients who were ADMM at the time of implantation and for those whom we had data at 3-months and 6-months following implantation (N=89). The majority of our patient population was male, in the U.S. Army, and had experienced non-combat related injuries. RANOVA results suggest that ADMM who underwent SCS implantation, and were prescribed opioids pre-implantation, had a significant reduction in morphine equivalent (MEQ) from baseline (mean=29.086) to 3-months (mean=8.054) and baseline to 6-months (mean=3.009) post-implantation. RANOVA results also suggest a significant reduction in pain intensity from baseline (mean pain score=6.322) to 3-months (mean pains score=3.844) and baseline to 6-months (mean=4.256) post-implantation. The findings suggest that SCS implantation in ADMM who are undergoing opioid medication management may have a significant reduction in MEQ at both 3 and 6-months post-implantation. These findings may suggest that SCS implantation may reduce the pain intensity and increase the functionality of ADMM who may have otherwise be disqualified from certain jobs and/or remaining in the military.