Weight Trends Following Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy for Chronic Pain

Introduction: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy is an effective treatment for chronic pain, particularly in conditions like post-laminectomy syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Rare case reports described significant weight loss in patients that underwent dorsal columns SCS therapy for chronic pain. Recently, neuromodulation for obesity has become a novel field for research.
In this study, we aimed to investigate weight trends among patients treated with SCS for chronic pain.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 342 patients treated with SCS or dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulators at our institution between 2010-2023. Patients had weight recorded before SCS implantation, and at least once within 12 months post-operatively. We also conducted interviews with 28 patients who experienced significant weight loss or had revision procedures due to weight loss.

Results: We found that 105/342 patients (30.7%) experienced weight loss of at least 5% within a year of implantation, and 32/105 (30.5%) experienced weight loss of >10%. A multivariable regression analysis revealed a modest increase in the likelihood of weight loss among patients with CRPS (Odds Ratio=1.17, 95% CI [1.04, 1.30], p=0.0069) and in those who achieved pain relief following implantation (OR=1.22, 95% CI [1.05,1.40], p=0.0079). Of the 28 patients with significant weight loss who were interviewed, 12 (43%) could not explain the reasons for their weight loss, while 8 (29%) reported decreased appetite.

Conclusion : Our findings suggest that SCS therapy may impact weight. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential role of SCS in neuromodulation for obesity.