Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials Specialist

What is a spinal cord stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is a device that sends out electrical impulses through the spine to help eliminate pain. Spinal cord stimulators are appropriate for people who don’t experience pain relief from conservative treatments. 

A spinal cord stimulator consists of thin electrodes (wires) and a small generator that powers the device. Your surgeon places the electrodes in your epidural space (between the spinal cord and the vertebrae) and the generator beneath your skin near your buttocks or abdomen. 

You control the spinal cord stimulator with a small remote control that allows you to activate the electrical impulses whenever you feel pain. Before receiving your implant, you must go through a trial period to determine if the device effectively eliminates your pain.

What happens during a spinal cord stimulator trial?

During the trial period, your surgeon places the temporary electrodes in your spine during a minor procedure. Your surgeon uses fluoroscopy (X-ray) to ensure they place the electrodes near the location of your pain. The electrodes attach to a generator outside your body that you wear around your waist. 

The trial period typically lasts about a week, after which you and your doctor discuss the effectiveness of the stimulator. If the device provides effective pain relief, then your doctor replaces the temporary electrodes with permanent ones and places the generator beneath your skin.

What conditions are treated with a spinal cord stimulator?

Spinal cord stimulators can treat many different types of chronic pain, including:

• Back pain
• Spinal cord injuries
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Post-surgical pain
• Heart pain
• Neuropathy
• Complex regional pain syndrome

Spinal cord stimulators provide effective relief from chronic pain and can reduce your need for pain medications. Spinal cord stimulator trials are an essential part of the treatment process. Your doctor considers your trial a success if the stimulator produces at least a 50% reduction in your pain. 

The specialists at Valdosta Orthopedic Associates perform both trails and implant procedures at their on-site surgical center. The board-certified surgeons have extensive experience helping patients achieve effective and reliable pain relief with spinal cord stimulators. 

To find out if a spinal cord stimulator is right for you, book your appointment by phone or online today.