![]() The procedure involves implanting the leads at specific positions on the spinal cord and placing the pulse generator under the skin within the buttock, lower back or abdomen. If you are happy with the results, your doctor will schedule the procedure to implant the stimulator. A log of your activities is kept including the level of stimulation necessary for pain relief at various times and paresthesia experienced, to provide your physician with valuable information. You are then sent home with instructions on how to control the stimulation settings to make treatment more effective. The lead is connected to an external pulse generator worn on your belt. An electrode or lead is passed through the needle until it contacts a specific region of the spinal cord. Under live X-ray imaging, a hollow needle is used to enter the epidural space between your spinal cord and vertebra. For this procedure, a local anesthetic is administered in the lower back. Your doctor will first recommend a trial stimulation to evaluate if the treatment adequately relieves your pain. For individuals who find it difficult to tolerate this sensation, the pulse generator can be set to a sub-paresthesia level. Pain may be replaced by a tingling sensation called paresthesia. A handheld remote device is used to control settings. Some devices respond to your body position to adjust stimulation levels. The level of stimulation by the pulse generator can be programmed according to the pattern and intensity of pain. The electrical signals pass through a lead wire and a system of electrodes to reach the spinal cord. The spinal cord stimulator device consists of a pulse generator similar to a pacemaker that produces electrical impulses with the help of a battery. A spinal cord stimulator may be used to treat pain due to conditions such as sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome, failed back surgery syndrome, peripheral vascular disease and multiple sclerosis. IndicationsĪ Spinal cord stimulator may be an option if you have chronic pain in your back, leg or arm that has lasted at least 6 months and you have had not had optimal relief from surgery, pain medications, nerve blocks or physical therapy. The spinal cord stimulator helps lower pain levels by 50% to 70% reducing the need for pain medications. The device works by sending electrical impulses to the spinal cord to replace or alter pain signals before they reach the brain. ![]() A spinal cord stimulator implant is a device that is implanted in the body to help manage chronic pain.
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