Spinal Cord Stimulation

Known as neuromodulation, this is a surgical technique that involves the placement of electrodes to treat pain from the spine or lower extremities legs and feet . The electrical signals deliver a therapeutic dose of stimulation and reduce a person’s dependency on pain medication. Weill Cornell Medicine’s spinal cord stimulator program is one of the largest in New York City and includes specialized physicians and researchers from both the Pain Medicine and Neurological Surgery departments.

Spinal cord stimulation is most often used to relieve chronic, neuropathic back and leg pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments. In most cases, patients who undergo the procedure experience a 50 to 70 percent decrease in their pain. While everyone’s experience is different, many people find their symptoms reduced enough that they can return to work and daily activities without as much reliance on pain medications.

Before a person can receive a spinal cord stimulator, they must first undergo a trial process. During this time, a person will have leads temporarily placed via needles to test the effectiveness and comfort of the device. If the results are positive, the doctor will perform a permanent implant surgery. This surgery will involve a small incision in the upper buttock. After a person has had the permanent implant put in place, they can control their treatment with a hand-held remote controller. They can also turn the device off and on, adjust its settings, and change the location of the stimulation through a special lead called a “button”.

During the surgical process, patients may have some pain at the site where the wires and stimulator are inserted. This usually resolves within a few days. It is also important that a person does not lift, bend or twist at the site for a while after the procedure to allow the spinal cord leads and stimulator to heal properly.

Some of the risks associated with the spinal cord stimulator include the possibility that the leads could migrate out of position or break. These risks are less common than they were years ago because of advances in equipment and techniques. The leads can also move out of position if the spinal cord or nerves are irritated by certain movements, such as a sudden twisting movement. Some tingling is also sometimes associated with Spinal Cord Stimulation NYC, and while most of the time this sensation is harmless, it is something that shouldn’t be ignored and should be brought up with your physician.

Other complications associated with the spinal cord stimulator include a potential infection or sepsis, which occurs when a widespread infection triggers a life-threatening immune response. Some people who have had spinal cord stimulation will not be able to have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because of the possible risk of damage to their generator.

To help determine if you are a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation, your doctor will order imaging and other tests to ensure that the procedure is safe for you. Your doctor will also consider your mental health and other factors. People who suffer from conditions like depression or anxiety that interfere with their ability to manage their pain might not be suitable candidates for the treatment.