Nerve signals are transmitted from the body to the brain constantly. Many of these signals help prevent injury by making the person aware that something may be wrong. Unfortunately, when nerves become damaged or injured, they may still send pain signals to the brain even if an injury is not actually occurring. Spinal cord stimulation can disrupt these misguided pain signals between the spinal cord and the brain.
So what exactly is a spinal cord stimulator? A spinal cord stimulator is an implanted device that sends low levels of electricity directly into the spinal cord to relieve pain. Spinal cord stimulators consist of thin wires and a small, pacemaker-like battery pack. The electrodes are placed between the spinal cord and the vertebrae and the generator is placed under the skin, usually near the buttocks or abdomen. Patients use a remote control to send electrical impulses that replace the sensation of pain with a light tingling, called paresthesia.1
Spinal cord stimulation is most often used after other nonsurgical treatment options such as medication or physical therapy have failed to provide sufficient pain relief. Spinal cord stimulators are used to treat different types of chronic pain, most commonly those associated with:
- Back Pain, especially back pain that is not resolved with surgery
- Post-Surgical Pain
- Neck Pain, especially neck pain that is not related to movement
Spinal cord stimulation can improve a patient’s overall quality of life and reduce their need for pain medicines. Most studies have shown that about half of those with stimulators see at least a 50% improvement in their pain.² Spinal cord stimulators are most often used in conjunction with other pain management techniques such as exercise and relaxation methods.
If traditional techniques have not worked for you or your loved one, reach out to the experts at Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Center to see if a spinal cord stimulator may be your next step to finding pain relief! Let us help you get back to doing the things you love!
Dr. James Henick is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist. Dr. Henick serves as an Air Force Colonel and as an expert on interventional pain relieving procedures of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral areas at Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center located in Suffolk, Harbour View, and Chesapeake, Virginia.
