Spinal Cord Stimulation

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation uses an implantable device to send low levels of electric energy directly into your spine. A spinal cord stimulator allows you to control your pain. After your provider implants the device, you can control your pain by increasing or decreasing electrical stimulation to your spine. 

This minimally invasive treatment alters how your brain processes nerve pain, which may help you avoid surgery.

What conditions can spinal cord stimulation treat?

Spinal cord stimulation is an effective treatment for many chronic pain conditions, such as:

Sciatica

The longest nerve in the human body, the sciatic nerve, stretches from the lower back through the back of the legs. When the nerve compresses, it can cause pain in the lower back, hips, buttocks, and thighs. Tingling and weakness can also run through your legs.

Spinal cord stimulation disrupts pain signals that the sciatic nerve sends to the brain to help relieve your discomfort.

Diabetic neuropathy

High blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage nerves throughout your body, particularly in the legs and feet. Spinal cord stimulation can help relieve nerve pain and improve sensation in the lower extremities to reduce your risk of diabetic ulcers and slow-healing wounds.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS is a complex condition that can cause severe pain in one area of the body, usually a single arm or leg. The pain is disproportionate to the initial damage or injury and can disrupt your daily life. A spinal cord stimulator may help alleviate nerve pain and improve your mobility.

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)

Failed back surgery syndrome causes persistent pain after back surgery. One of the most common causes of chronic pain after surgery is nerve damage. Placing a spinal cord stimulator may help relieve your post-op pain.

What can I expect from spinal cord stimulation?

During spinal cord stimulation surgery, your provider makes a small incision in your skin after administering an anesthetic. Then, they insert the device and anchor the sterile electrodes in place with sutures to prevent movement. The entire procedure takes about 1-2 hours.

What happens after spinal cord stimulation?

Most patients can return home the same day as their placement surgery. The healing process takes about 2-4 weeks. You should begin experiencing pain relief within a couple of weeks.

Call Pain Management 360 today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about spinal cord stimulation.