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If you suffer from ongoing discomfort, particularly back pain, see the specialists at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin in Appleton, Oshkosh, North Fond du Lac, or Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The highly trained orthopedic spine surgery team provides spinal cord stimulation to ease your discomfort long-term so you can live your best life. Schedule an evaluation at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin by calling the nearest office today.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Q & A
What is spinal cord stimulation?
A spinal cord stimulator is a tiny device that your spine specialist inserts under your skin for pain relief. It sends low-level electricity into your spine to ease ongoing discomfort and reduce the need for strong pain medications. Your provider may recommend spinal cord stimulation if non-surgical pain management treatments haven’t worked.
How does spinal cord stimulation work?
A spinal cord stimulator consists of electrodes (thin wires) and a tiny pacemaker-like generator. Your provider places electrodes between your vertebrae and spinal cord (epidural space) and the generator under the skin near your abdomen or buttocks. You use a remote control to emit electrical impulses to achieve pain relief whenever you feel discomfort.
While the exact reason spinal cord stimulation works isn’t entirely clear, the electronic pulses affect how your brain perceives and senses pain.
Which conditions can spinal cord stimulation treat?
Spinal cord stimulation can help treat the following and more:
- Back pain
- Pain in membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain
- Post-surgery pain
- Nerve pain
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Heart pain
- Cancer-related nerve pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Pain after amputation
- Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
- Nerve pain after surgery
- Visceral abdominal pain
- Perineal pain
The NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin provides numerous cutting-edge treatments for pain. The team tailors a treatment plan that matches your condition, lifestyle, and preferences.
Spinal cord stimulation is often used with physical therapy, exercise, and other healthy lifestyle changes.
Am I a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
The NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin team determines if spinal cord stimulation is right for you after discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. They complete a physical exam and often order imaging tests to create pictures of internal body structures. Your specialist reviews treatment options with you and lets you know what to expect.
What happens during spinal cord stimulator implantation?
Spinal cord stimulator implantation requires two procedures. The first is a test procedure, and the second is a surgical procedure to implant a permanent device.
During trial implantation, you receive a temporary device to test out. Your specialist uses X-ray guidance to insert electrodes into the epidural space in your spine. The generator remains outside of your body on a belt you wear around your waist.
If the trial procedure offers relief, your provider places a permanent device under your skin with sterile electrodes. The outpatient procedure often lasts about 1-2 hours.
What can I expect afterward?
After spinal cord implantation, you can head home the same day but have someone drive you. Keep the incision site clean and get plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous activity until given the okay, and follow up with your provider to ensure long-lasting relief.
Schedule a spinal cord stimulation consultation at NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin by phone today.