It is a device implanted in the body which sends electric signals to the spinal cord to relieve the pain. The device consists of small wires, connected to the battery. The wires are placed in the epidural space and the pacemaker like battery is placed under the skin. The battery then sends the signal to the spinal cord through the wires placed in epidural space. It also allows the patients to send additional signals through a remote control whenever they feel pain. The whole procedure is done under X ray guidance.
The spinal cord stimulator is placed in 2 steps. 1st is the trial period in which wires are placed in the epidural space and battery is still outside. This is kept for 7- 10 days. If in all these days your pain was better managed, then we proceed to 2nd phase. In the phase, battery is implanted inside the skin, and you should be able to control the pain with the help of remote control. The battery also needs recharge once in a day or depending on your usage.
Uses of Spinal Cord stimulator – Persistent chronic low back pain radiating to the legs, Post back pain surgery pain, Nerves related pain (diabetic neuropathy), Spinal Cord injury, Chronic pelvic pain, Chronic abdominal pain, and perineal pain, CRPS (Complex regional pain syndrome), Pain after amputation.