Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure wherein a medical device, known as a spinal cord stimulator, is implanted into the spinal cord. The stimulator delivers low levels of electric pulses to the spinal cord to alleviate pain and discomfort. In addition to alleviating pain and discomfort, spinal cord stimulation improves the overall quality of life and minimizes the need for pain medicine. We curate personalized spinal cord stimulation in Edison to help you lead a pain-free life without relying on medications or opioids.
How does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?
A spinal cord stimulator is made of thin wires (electrodes) and a small battery pack (generator). The electrodes are positioned in the epidural space between the spinal cord and the vertebrae, and the generator is placed underneath the skin near the buttocks. Whenever you feel pain, you can hit a button on the remote control to send minor electrical impulses that alleviate pain and discomfort. This method can target multiple muscle groups below the spine and alter your brain’s perception of pain, allowing you to lead a pain-free life.
Spinal cord stimulation alleviates
pain caused by the following conditions:
- Back pain
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Post-surgical pain
- Inflammation of the arachnoid (arachnoiditis)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Heart pains
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Cancer-related neuropathy
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Visceral abdominal pain
- Other forms of nerve or spine-related pain
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation:
- Minimally invasive pain treatment
- Improves overall quality of life
- Reduces your dependence on pain medications
- Minimal side effects
- Negligible risk of complications
- Minimal post-treatment downtime
Your Spinal Cord Stimulation Procedure in Edison
Your spinal cord stimulation in Edison involves two in-office sessions: one to test the device and the other to implant the device.
During the trial period, the pain doctor will implant a temporary spinal cord stimulator into the targeted region under fluoroscopy guidance. The pain doctor will make a small incision on the lower back to insert the electrodes within the epidural space, but the generator will remain outside the body, typically on a belt. You will have to use the temporary device for one week. If you experience a 50% or more reduction in pain, the test is considered successful.
During the implantation session, the pain doctor will place the generator underneath the skin and insert sterile electrodes within the epidural space (instead of the trial electrodes). The sterile electrodes will be anchored by sutures. The device will be inserted via two small incisions — one on the lower abdomen and the other along the spine. Once the device is running, the pain doctor will close the incisions.
Schedule an Appointment
Edison Spine & Pain Management is a state-of-the-art interventional pain management practice specializing in the latest and safest pain treatments. Our interventional pain doctors use cutting-edge technologies to identify the true source of chronic pain, following which they customize a unique treatment plan. We firmly avoid additive opioids and risky surgeries in favor of minimally invasive procedures to help you lead a pain-free life. Please schedule an appointment to explore your options for spinal cord stimulation in Edison.
