Spinal Cord Stimulation

What are Spinal Cord Stimulation, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, and Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRG)?

Neuromodulation is the broad term for all three of these pain management treatments using implantable devices for chronic pain conditions that fail to improve with medical or surgical intervention.
Your surgeon uses astimulator device that sends a mild electrical pulse to your spinal cord for pain relief. The electrical pulse interferes with the transmission of pain signals to your brain to relieve your pain symptoms.
Pacific Sports & Spine specialist performing Spinal Cord Stimulation in health clinic

Am I a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?

When you visit Pacific Sports & Spine for pain management, the team conducts comprehensive evaluations to fully understand your pain condition so they can develop an effective treatment plan.

You may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation if you suffer from chronic back or leg pain that medical or surgical interventions don’t resolve. Some of the conditions benefiting from this stimulation might include:

  • Failed back surgery
  • Injury to the spinal cord
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Nerve pain
  • Sciatica
  • Arachnoiditis (inflammation and scarring of the nerve lining)

Before permanent placement of the spinal cord stimulator device, the team at Pacific Sports & Spine conducts a trial stimulation.

What happens during the spinal cord stimulation trial?

The Pacific Sports and Spine team uses many techniques to place the spinal cord stimulator device and electrodes. Your surgeon reviews the details of the procedure with you at your consultation.

Your surgeon uses live X-ray guided imaging (fluoroscopy) to place the leads over your spinal cord and sutures them in place during the procedure. They pass the wires under your skin to your flank or buttock and attach them to your internal spinal cord stimulator device.
Most patients go home the same day or the day after the procedure.

How long is recovery from spinal cord stimulation surgery?

Recovery from spinal cord stimulation surgery takes about 10 days. The team provides guidelines for wound care and activity during your recovery.

To learn more about this treatment and how it may help you get long-term pain relief, Pacific Sports & Spine can provide the treatment you need. Call our office at (541) 780-6654 to schedule your appointment.

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