What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation therapy is performed to manage chronic pain. Spinal cord stimulation can prevent pain signals from reaching the brain by sending electrical pulses to nerves throughout the spinal cord. Spinal cord stimulation is a safe, effective, and reversible pain management treatment option. At Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine, we offer the leading spinal cord stimulation treatment for patients. Our pain management specialists utilize state-of-the-art technology and advanced techniques to perform all treatments at Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine.

Am I a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Patients should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations for this procedure. Candidates for spinal cord stimulation may suffer from chronic neck, back, leg, and arm pain. Spinal cord stimulation may also be beneficial for patients who suffer from failed back surgery syndrome, spinal cord injuries, and heart pain. Patients may have found no success with conservative treatment options. Candidates will meet individually with one of our pain management specialists for a comprehensive consultation. The doctor will perform a thorough physical exam to identify the area of concern. During this appointment, the pain management specialist will review the patient’s medical history, medications, and past treatment options to determine their candidacy for spinal stimulation therapy. The doctor will create a customized spinal cord stimulation treatment plan for the patient. Patients will be educated on the treatment and recovery process.

Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy

Spinal cord stimulation therapy is performed as an outpatient procedure at Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. Patients will undergo a simple trial procedure to further determine their candidacy for spinal cord stimulation therapy. The patient will be put under mild sedation to prepare for this procedure. The electrode wires will be carefully placed and connected to a temporary external spinal cord stimulator to begin the trial. The trial period will last for one week. The external spinal stimulator will be programmed by the pain management specialist based on the severity of the patient’s symptoms and his expertise.

If the trial procedure proves successful, the patient will be scheduled to undergo the implant procedure. The patient will be placed under light sedation to prepare for the procedure. The doctor will create small incisions to place the wires and spinal cord stimulator. The pain management specialist will then place the wires within the spinal cord. The discreet spinal cord stimulator will then be placed under the skin above the buttocks. The patient will receive an external controller to control the pain relief.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation

Patient-controlled pain relief
Minimally invasive pain treatment
Significantly improved symptoms
Reduced medication usage

Recovery Process for Spinal Cord Stimulation Treatment

Patients will be asked to remain at the surgical center to monitor their progress following the procedure. The doctor will adjust and program the spinal cord stimulator for the patient. The pain management specialist will spend time educating the patient on the external controller following the treatment. Patients can return to light activities within three weeks of the procedure. Full recovery typically takes around six to eight weeks.

The pain management specialist will schedule a post-operative appointment to monitor the recovery process. Patients may voice any questions or concerns they may have during this appointment. Our team of pain management specialists strive to remain a constant resource for patients throughout their entire treatment at Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine.

If you are interested in finding out more about spinal cord stimulation, please contact our friendly staff at Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine to schedule a consultation with one of our pain management specialists today.

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