How Does Spinal Cord Stimulator Work?

A spinal cord stimulator is a thin wire and a small battery pack resembling a pacemaker (the generator). The electrodes are placed between your spinal cord and vertebrae, and the generator is placed beneath the skin, usually near the buttocks. Spinal cord stimulation in Houston allows patients to send the electrical impulses using a remote control when they experience pain. The remote control and its antenna are both located outside the body.

This treatment provides pain relief by adjusting pain messages before they reach your brain. The machine sends electrical pulses that reach your brain more rapidly than pain signals, fooling your brain into thinking you are experiencing tingling rather than pain. The spinal cord stimulator comes with a handheld programmer that allows you to adjust the location and strength of electrical stimulation. It is possible to change the stimulation level for different activities or days.

Different types of spinal cord stimulators

Spinal cord stimulators are classified into three types:

1.     A traditional implantable pulse generator (IPG) is a spinal code stimulator powered by a battery. During an operation, a battery is implanted in the spine. When the battery depletes, another surgery is needed to replace it. Because it has a lower electrical output, this device may be a good choice for people who only have pain in one body part.
2.     The rechargeable IPG functions comparably to the conventional device, except that you can recharge the battery without the need for additional surgery. These stimulators can produce more electricity because the energy source is rechargeable. Because the electrical signal can travel further, this may be a better option for people who have pain in their lower back or one or both legs.
3.     A radiofrequency stimulator is powered by a battery located outside your body. This stimulator is not often used nowadays because of newer designs and better technology. It has rechargeable batteries, and because of the device’s power, it may be better for people who have pain in their lower back and legs.

Who can qualify for a spinal cord stimulator?

Your physician will want to make sure that spinal cord stimulation is appropriate for you — and that it is likely to provide a soothing effect from your chronic pain. To make this recommendation, your pain specialist will most likely order imaging tests as well as psychological testing. Each patient is unique, but those who gain the most from spinal cord stimulation are those who:

• Have not received adequate pain relief from medications, non-invasive therapies, or previous surgeries
• Do not have any mental illnesses that would impair the procedure’s effectiveness.

 The impact of spinal cord stimulation on your body

Spinal cord stimulation is still evolving and developing, and more studies show that it is effective for a wide range of patients. It relieves the pain associated with complex regional pain syndrome and failed back surgery syndrome. According to research, it can also help patients suffering from chronic low back pain. Although research is limited, some evidence suggests that it may help treat peripheral nerve pain and surgery pain.

If you are enduring back pain that has not responded to other treatments, spinal cord stimulation may be able to help. Call Expert Pain or schedule a meeting and learn more about spinal cord stimulators.