OHSU Logo

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Overview

Doctors use this to treat pain from nerve damage or an inadequate blood supply. A Spinal Cord Stimulator is a medical implant with one component placed in the back and one elsewhere in the body.

This can help treat patients with persistent leg or arm pain after low back or neck surgery, respectively. However, this treatment is not right for every patient with this type of pain. The doctor and a psychologist will evaluate patients and discuss other alternatives, like medication, rehabilitation, and injections. Doctors also go through a two-phase process to determine if the implant will be effective and then move forward with the procedure.

The procedure

Using an X-ray, the doctor guides a needle into the epidural space (near the spinal nerves, but not in the spinal cord). Once it is in place, the doctor will insert one or two Spinal Cord Stimulator leads into the epidural space and connect them to a generator. The generator is programmed to provide a safe, low dose electrical current to the leads. The electrical current improves pain and circulation.

Patients will be sedated for this procedure but must be able to communicate with their doctor. Patients should not eat on the day of the procedure and will need a driver to take them home.