Spinal Cord Stimulators

Minimally Invasive Solution for Chronic Pain Management

When surgery, medication and other therapies do not deliver pain relief in the back, legs or arms, spinal cord stimulators (SCS) offer a minimally invasive solution to pain management and restoration of daily function. These FDA-approved devices have been used for over 50 years and continue to improve with advances in technology—delivering positive outcomes for many people suffering from chronic neurological pain.

What Are Spinal Cord Stimulators?

Spinal cord stimulators are small electronic devices producing a mild electrical current. Surgically implanted beneath the skin, these proven devices deliver electrical pulses that interfere with pain signals to the brain. Spinal cord stimulators do not eliminate chronic pain; instead, they disrupt the way the brain perceives the pain, helping patients manage it more effectively.

Breakthrough technology continues to improve the effectiveness and convenience of SCS devices. Most models consist of elements that include:

• Neurostimulator implanted in the abdomen or upper buttock, including a power source that may be rechargeable or require periodic replacement.
• Wire leads embedded in the epidural part of the spine.
• Handheld programmer to adjust type and length of stimulation.

Recent technological innovations include devices controlled and powered by radio frequency and stimulators that sense and adjust for activity level or changes in body position.