A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is implanted in the body and sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord to modulate pain signals.

What conditions warrant a spinal cord stimulator?

Spinal cord stimulators are used for patients with chronic back pain who have not gotten relief from other conservative treatment measures and for whom surgery is not an option.

Prior to permanent implantation, the patient must undergo a trial period with the stimulator. This trial period may last from twenty-four hours to one week.

How long will I be in the hospital?

This is an outpatient procedure. You will not have to be admitted to the hospital.

What is the recovery once I get home?

You will have some pain, redness, and swelling around the implantation site. The procedural pain should go away in a few days.

Make sure you talk to your physician regarding specific activity limitations following the procedure.