Takeaway
Continuing spinal cord stimulation therapy for at least 2 years allows the reduction or discontinuation of systemic opioids and lowers overall costs.
Why this matters
There is a widely recognized need to reduce opioid use for chronic pain, yet few studies have investigated patterns of systemic opioid use among recipients of spinal cord stimulation therapy. These novel findings suggest that spinal cord stimulation could provide a cost-effective alternative for reducing or eliminating opioid consumption in a substantial proportion of individuals affected by chronic pain.