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Explaining Spinal Cord Stimulation

A spinal cord stimulator is a medical implant that modulates nerve activity within the spine. Its electrical pulses override the body’s normal pain signals, substituting them with a mild, comfortable tingling sensation in the affected area.

The Science Behind Spinal Cord Stimulation

Once implanted, the device emits controlled electrical signals that disrupt the body’s normal pain pathways. Instead of sharp or persistent pain, many patients feel a faint tingling sensation that provides noticeable, sustained comfort.

When Spinal Cord Stimulation Helps

For many living with unrelenting pain, this technology offers new hope. It’s often chosen when prior treatments—such as medications, injections, or surgery—cannot correct the underlying problem or provide adequate relief.

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Determining if Spinal Cord Stimulation Is Appropriate

Candidates typically include patients with ongoing, treatment-resistant pain that has lasted several months or more. Before any implant, your physician conducts detailed diagnostic testing to identify the source of pain and tailor the approach for optimal results.

A psychological review is often completed to ensure emotional well-being supports recovery—an evaluation sometimes required by insurers before implantation.

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When Spinal Cord Stimulation Can Help

This treatment is often used to control persistent or nerve-related pain, such as:

  • Chronic back or limb pain unrelieved by surgery
  • Abdominal or visceral pain
  • Pain following amputation (phantom limb)
  • Cancer-related discomfort
  • Diabetic nerve pain in the legs or feet
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Pain due to scarring or inflammation of the spinal nerves
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The Surgical Process for Spinal Cord Stimulation

Stage One: Evaluation Phase

  • A brief outpatient procedure places temporary leads into your spine’s epidural space under local anesthesia
  • Guided by fluoroscopy, your doctor ensures precise positioning
  • These leads attach to an external stimulator that you’ll use for several days to gauge your level of relief and comfort
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Stage Two: Long-Term Placement

  • If the trial demonstrates effective pain control, the next step involves implanting the stimulator permanently
  • A small generator is placed under the skin—often in the lower back or upper buttock region—through a minor incision
  • The device delivers steady, adjustable stimulation for ongoing relief
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Regenerative Medicine Options in Plantation

At Advanced Relief Institute, regenerative medicine therapies like PRP, stem cell, and amniotic fluid injections help your body restore damaged tissue and relieve pain. These minimally invasive treatments are often considered before spinal nerve-blocking procedures.

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Healing Timeline After Spinal Cord Stimulation

Most patients require one to two weeks of rest to allow the implant to stabilize, during which gentle walks are permitted. Driving and light work usually resume after two weeks. Within two to four weeks, recovery is generally complete, and your care team will guide you in returning to more active exercise.

FAQs

What’s the Goal of the Trial?

How Long Will It Last?

What Happens During the Procedure?

Does It Hurt?

What If It Works?

What If It Doesn’t Work?

Are There Risks?

Why Consider It Over Other Treatments?

What About Daily Activities?

What’s the Goal of the Trial?

This short trial lets you experience how spinal cord stimulation feels and whether it truly decreases your chronic pain before anything permanent is implanted.

How Long Will It Last?

Usually between a few days and one week. You’ll wear an external stimulator connected to small leads in your spine while noting changes in your pain levels.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Your doctor gently inserts the leads using live X-ray imaging. The process takes less than an hour, uses local numbing, and causes little discomfort.

Does It Hurt?

Most people describe only mild soreness for a day or two.

What If It Works?

You can move forward with the permanent system—an internal device that continues providing pain relief day and night.

What If It Doesn’t Work?

The temporary setup is removed easily, and your physician will review other non-surgical or minimally invasive options for relief.

Are There Risks?

Side effects are rare but may include temporary irritation, bruising, or infection. Careful aftercare reduces these risks further.

Why Consider It Over Other Treatments?

It targets pain at its source—the nerves—rather than masking symptoms. Many patients achieve relief without relying on daily medication.

What About Daily Activities?

Gentle walks are encouraged, but strenuous activity should be avoided until after the trial ends.

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