Spinal Cord Stimulation Specialist

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is an innovative interventional pain management treatment delivered by a small device implanted in your back. The generator sends a mild electrical current into your spine via a wire electrode. The electrical current blocks pain signals caused by nerve damage, allowing you to lead a pain-free life, get physical therapy, and return to your regular activities. 

What conditions improve with spinal cord stimulation?

The team at Houston Pain Specialists uses spinal cord stimulation to treat a variety of painful conditions such as nerve damage, arthritis, and chronic sciatica. Additionally, conditions including failed back surgery and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) — sometimes called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) — often show significant improvement of symptoms with spinal cord stimulation.

Failed back surgery syndrome

Failed back surgery syndrome develops after you've had back surgery that either didn't repair the issue causing your pain or caused new nerve compression or damage. 

CRPS

CRPS is a type of chronic pain that usually affects a single limb. It usually occurs after an injury, surgery, or cardiac or vascular events like a heart attack or stroke. CRPS pain is generally disproportionate to the injury or condition that triggered it.  

What is the process for getting a spinal cord stimulator?

The team at Houston Pain Specialists implant spinal cord stimulators in two phases. 

Trial phase

During the first phase, your doctor uses a special type of X-ray known as fluoroscopy to place a temporary electrode into the epidural space of your spine near the nerves causing the problem. They attach the wire to a small generator that you wear on a belt. The trial phase lasts up to seven days to ensure that spinal cord stimulation eliminates your pain.

Permanent phase

If your trial phase is successful, your doctor schedules surgery to place the permanent spinal cord stimulator in your body. While you're under general anesthesia, the doctor makes a small incision in your back and places the electrode wire into your spine. Then, they tunnel the wire through your body to your lower back/upper buttock. Your doctor implants the generator device under your skin and attaches the wire. 

While you might experience some post-surgical tenderness, spinal cord stimulation should provide almost immediate pain relief.

Call Houston Pain Specialists or make an appointment online today to find out how spinal cord stimulation can reduce your pain.