Spinal cord stimulation stops specific nerves from sending pain signals through your spinal cord. The device sends mild electrical pulses into the nerves, blocking or masking the pain signals. As a result, your brain doesn’t get the message, and you get pain relief.
The spinal cord stimulator includes a pulse generator, insulated lead wires, and a controller. Your Pain Management Associates LLC provider uses a needle-like device to guide the lead wires along your spinal cord. They place the wires so that the electrodes are next to the spinal nerves carrying pain signals.
Then your provider implants the tiny generator under your skin, typically near your buttocks or abdomen. They connect the lead wires to the generator, which sends electrical pulses through the wires to your spine.
For the final step, your provider uses the remote to program the pulse strength. You keep the controller and use it to turn the device on and off.
No matter where pain begins, the nerves carrying the signal go through your spinal cord on their way to the brain. Since spinal cord stimulation blocks nerve signals in the spinal cord, it can stop pain messages coming from anywhere in your body, including your back and neck.
Pain Management Associates LLC may recommend spinal cord stimulation to relieve pain caused by:
Spinal cord stimulation may relieve pain caused by many health conditions. And the device can remain indefinitely. However, everyone responds differently, so you begin with a trial period.
You may be a good candidate if you have tried conservative treatments and still have chronic pain, want to avoid surgery, and have a successful trial period.
During a spinal cord stimulator trial period, your provider inserts the wires while you wear the generator outside your body. After using the device for about a week, you decide if it provides enough pain relief and if you want the generator implanted. If the device doesn’t help, your provider removes the wires.
To learn more about spinal cord stimulation, call Pain Management Associates LLC or request an appointment online today.