SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR
What is a spinal cord stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator is a type of treatment that blocks or masks pain signals traveling through your spinal nerves. The treatment works by sending a mild electrical pulse into the targeted nerves, which stops the pain message from reaching your brain.
Though the underlying problem causing your pain still exists, your brain doesn’t perceive the pain. As a result, most patients get significant pain relief.
Pain Care, LLC, uses several of today’s most advanced spinal cord stimulators, including devices produced by Nevro®, Medtronic, Stimwave Technologies, and Boston Scientific. They choose the device that’s best for your underlying condition and type of pain.
What conditions qualify for a spinal cord stimulator?
Sensory nerves pick up pain signals throughout your body. Then the messages go through your spinal cord to your brain. Since the spinal cord stimulator stops the signal in your spinal cord, this treatment can effectively relieve pain that originates anywhere in your body, including your back.
Pain Care, LLC, may recommend spinal cord stimulators for many conditions, including:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Cancer pain
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
- Neuropathy
- Sciatica
- Fibromyalgia
- Degenerative disc disease
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Chronic back pain
- Chronic neck pain
- Chronic leg pain
- Phantom limb pain
- Adhesive arachnoiditis
- Peripheral vascular disease
A spinal cord stimulator also eases the persistent pain of failed back surgery syndrome.
How does a spinal cord stimulator work?
Your spinal cord stimulator device includes a controller and a pulse generator that connects to insulated lead wires. Your provider implants the generator under your skin and uses a special needle to guide the lead wires through the epidural space along your spine.
Your provider places the leads next to the spinal nerves carrying your pain signals. Then they program the generator to send electrical pulses through the lead wires and into the nerves. You use the controller to turn the device on and off as needed for pain relief.
What is a spinal cord stimulator trial?
A spinal cord stimulator trial allows you to use the device for up to a week, giving you enough time to determine how well it relieves your pain. During your trial, your provider inserts the leads, but you wear the generator.
Once you discover how well the stimulator works, you can either have all components implanted or have the lead wires removed.
To learn if you’re a good candidate for a spinal cord stimulator, call Pain Care, LLC, or request an appointment online today.
