Spinal Cord Stimulation

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a state-of-the-art pain management intervention that uses an electrical current to disrupt pain signals traveling through your spinal cord to your brain. A small implantable device provides the current.

An excellent option when other treatments for chronic pain haven’t relieved your pain, spinal cord stimulation can eliminate your reliance on medication and help you avoid more invasive surgery. 

What is dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation?

A DRG is a bundle of nerves located at the dorsal root of your spinal cord. There’s a DRG connected to your spine at each vertebra. Each DRG is part of the system that relays pain signals to your brain. 

DRG stimulation is a type of spinal cord stimulation that targets the problematic DRG to disrupt the signals that are causing pain in a specific area of your body.

Why would I need spinal cord stimulation?

At Allay Spine and Pain Management, Dr. Maxey prescribes spinal cord stimulation for many chronic pain conditions, including:

• Chronic back pain
• Sciatica
• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)/Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
• Neuropathy
• Spinal cord injuries
• Multiple sclerosis
• Arthritis 

Spinal cord stimulation isn’t a first-line approach to pain. Dr. Maxey provides a thorough consultation and exam to determine if spinal cord stimulation is right for you. He usually tries less invasive pain management interventions first before suggesting spinal cord stimulation. 

How do you implant a spinal cord stimulator?

Dr. Maxey does spinal cord stimulation treatment in two phases. During the trial phase, he uses fluoroscopy and a hollow needle to place a wire near the malfunctioning nerve. He connects the wire to a generator that you wear on your belt or in a pocket.

The trial phase usually lasts for a week. It allows Dr. Maxey to adjust the electrical current and ensure that the treatment relieves your pain. If your trial is successful, he schedules your permanent implantation.

At this point, Dr. Maxey implants the generator under the skin of your lower back. He creates a small tunnel in your back to allow the spinal cord stimulator wire to extend from your spine to the generator. 

Both the trial and permanent implementation procedures are minimally invasive outpatient procedures. You won’t need much time to recover before returning to your regular activities. 

If you live with chronic pain that interferes with your life, call Allay Spine and Pain Management or make an appointment online today to learn more about spinal cord stimulation.