A spinal cord stimulator is an implanted device that sends low levels of electricity directly into the spinal cord to relieve pain.
- Spinal cord stimulation is used most often after nonsurgical pain treatment options have failed to provide sufficient relief.
- Spinal cord stimulators require two procedures to test and implant the device: the trial and the implantation.
- Spinal cord stimulation can improve overall quality of life and sleep, and reduce the need for pain medicines. It is typically used along with other pain management treatments.
Spinal cord stimulators consist of thin wires (the electrodes) and a small, pacemaker-like battery pack (the generator). The electrodes are placed between the spinal cord and the vertebrae (the epidural space), and the generator is placed under the skin, usually near the buttocks or abdomen. Spinal cord stimulators allow patients to send the electrical impulses using a remote control when they feel pain. Both the remote control and its antenna are outside the body.
https://www.spine-health.com/video/spinal-cord-stimulation-chronic-back-pain-video
