Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulators consist of thin wires or electrodes and a small, pacemaker-like battery pack or the generator.
Spinal cord stimulators allow patients to send the electrical impulses using a remote control when they feel pain.
Traditional spinal cord stimulators replace the sensation of pain with light tingling, called paresthesia, while newer devices offer stimulation that cannot be felt.
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What is spinal cord stimulation used for?
Spinal cord stimulation is used most often after nonsurgical pain treatment options have failed to provide sufficient relief. Spinal cord stimulators may be used to treat or manage different types of chronic pain, including:
- Back pain, especially back pain that continues even after surgery (failed back surgery syndrome)
- Arachnoiditis (painful inflammation of the arachnoid, a thin membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord)
- Post-surgical pain
- Injuries to the spinal cord
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Pain after an amputation
- Visceral abdominal pain and perineal pain
- Nerve-related pain (such as severe diabetic neuropathy and cancer-related neuropathy from radiation, surgery or chemotherapy)
Spinal cord stimulation can improve overall quality of life and sleep, and reduce the need for pain medicines. It is typically used along with other pain management treatments, including medications, exercise, physical therapy and relaxation methods.
Treatment
Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery
Spinal cord stimulators require two procedures to test and implant the device: the trial (3–7 days) followed by implantation of the device following a successful trial. The trial and implant will be discussed and individualized to each patient so that our physicians can adequately treat your pain.
Spinal cord stimulation is one of several treatment options offered as part of our comprehensive pain management program.
Explore Spinal Cord Stimulation
Call us at 414-384-6700 to connect with our interventional pain specialists at Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance in Southeastern Wisconsin.
