Spinal cord stimulation may be considered for treating neuropathic pain if surgery failed or no good surgical options exist. Spinal cord stimulation requires a small programmable generator and electrical leads to produce electrical impulses that disrupt the pain signals from being received by the brain. Using fluoroscopic guidance, electrodes are carefully placed along the spine. During the procedure, the patient will give feedback to help the physician accurately place the electrodes to provide a gentle vibrating sensation to block the painful areas. The electrodes are connected to a stimulator device which may run varied programs that are customizable to the particular pain.
Spinal cord stimulators are an implanted device. Prior to the actual implantation, a trial will be performed by the pain specialist to help the patient decide if this treatment provides the desired pain relief. During the trial, the physician will implant the electrodes similar to the actual implant and connect the electrodes to an external stimulator. The device will be professionally programmed using the patient’s feedback. The patient can then trial the device for up to 7 days at which point the electrodes are completely removed. If the trial was successful, the patient is scheduled with a neurosurgeon for a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant.