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Spinal Cord Stimulation Q&A

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment that uses a device to deliver mild electrical impulses to your spinal cord to manage pain. With spinal cord stimulation, the electrical impulses disrupt the pain messages from your body to your brain, decreasing the discomfort.

 

For spinal cord stimulation, you need a generator and electrodes.

Generator

The generator is a small battery-operated device (similar to a pacemaker) placed under your skin in your buttocks or abdomen.

Electrodes

The electrodes are thin wires that run from the generator to the epidural space in your spine. The electrodes deliver the electrical impulse to the spine.

Am I a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?

The team at Las Vegas Spine & Pain Center determines if you’re a candidate for spinal cord stimulation after a consultation. During your evaluation, they review your medical, surgical, and pain history to determine if spinal cord stimulation makes a good choice for you.

 

They may consider you a good candidate for the pain device if you have a chronic pain condition and conservative therapies fail to provide relief, and you’re not a candidate for surgery. Or if surgery for your condition didn’t improve your pain.

 

Some of the chronic pain conditions Las Vegas Spine & Pain Center treats with spinal cord stimulation include:

 

  • Chronic sciatica
  • Chronic arm pain
  • Neuropathy
  • Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Phantom limb pain

 

If you have a chronic pain condition and you’re searching for a treatment that can provide relief, schedule a consultation at Las Vegas Spine & Pain Center.

What can I expect during spinal cord stimulation?

Before placement of the spinal cord stimulation device, the team has you undergo a trial for the device. During the trial, your spine surgeon places leads in the epidural space in your spine and has you wear the generator on your waist.

 

The team requests you keep a pain diary during the trial. If you have significant reduction in pain during the spinal cord stimulation trial, then the team moves ahead with the placement of the device.

 

Once in place, the team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your pain and device and make adjustments when appropriate. Though results vary, many people report a significant improvement in pain and quality of life with spinal cord stimulation.

 

Call Las Vegas Spine & Pain Center or schedule an appointment online today to find out if you’re a candidate for spinal cord stimulation.