Spinal Cord Stimulation

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive pain management procedure that uses an implantable device called a spinal cord stimulator to keep pain signals from reaching your brain. That lets you return to your routine and live a more active lifestyle without surgery. 

Are there different types of spinal cord stimulation?

Englewood Cliffs Surgery Center offers two types of spinal cord stimulation:

Traditional spinal cord stimulation

A traditional spinal cord stimulator is a small electronic device your provider inserts in your back. 

The spinal cord stimulator has two electrical leads that your provider attaches to the epidural space in your spine. The leads connect to a pulse generator, a small box that emits an electrical current, blocking pain signals from reaching your brain.

Dorsal root ganglion stimulation

Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG) is similar to traditional spinal cord stimulation. The difference is your provider attaches the electrical leads to the dorsal root ganglion –– an area of the spine containing sensory nerves. 

What types of pain might benefit from spinal cord stimulation?

Englewood Cliffs Surgery Center uses spinal cord stimulation to treat various types of musculoskeletal pain, including:

• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBBS) pain
• Pain after neck surgery (post-cervical surgery pain)
• Chronic migraines
• Headaches
• Nerve pain (neuropathy)
• Pelvic pain
• Abdominal pain
• Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

The type of spinal cord stimulation that most benefits you depends on the severity and location of your symptoms. 

What happens during a spinal cord stimulation procedure?

If your Englewood Cliffs Surgery Center provider determines you can benefit from spinal cord stimulation, they complete an implantation procedure.

First, you lie facedown on an X-ray table. Your provider administers a twilight anesthetic and makes a small incision in your back. Then, they insert a needle through the incision and use X-ray imaging to guide it into position.

Your provider inserts the electrical leads through the needle and into the epidural space in your spine. After positioning the electrical leads, they remove the needle and connect the lead ends to your pulse generator. 

Last, your provider makes several more small incisions and inserts the pulse generator just above or below your belt line. Once it’s in place, your provider closes the incisions and programs the pulse generator. 

Call Englewood Cliffs Surgery Center today to schedule a spinal cord stimulation consultation.