Loading...

What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment designed to help manage chronic pain—especially in the back and legs. This small, implanted device sends mild electrical signals to the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.

While it doesn’t “cure” the underlying condition, it can significantly reduce how pain is perceived—helping patients improve their quality of life and return to daily activities.

Spinal cord stimulators have been used since 1967 and were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1989. Today, thousands of patients each year benefit from this technology as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.

How Does a Spinal Cord Stimulator Work?

A spinal cord stimulator system includes two main components:

• Electrodes (thin wires): Placed near the spinal cord
• Generator (battery pack): Implanted under the skin, similar to a pacemaker

When activated, the device sends gentle electrical pulses that “mask” pain signals traveling to the brain. Patients can control the intensity of these signals using a handheld remote, allowing them to adjust relief based on their activity or comfort level.

Rather than eliminating pain entirely, the device changes how the brain perceives it—often replacing pain with a mild tingling sensation or reducing it significantly.

Who Is a Candidate for a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

This treatment is typically recommended for patients who:

• Have chronic back or nerve pain
• Have not found relief with medications or physical therapy
• Continue to experience pain after spine surgery
• Want to avoid more invasive surgical procedures

At Ozark Orthopaedics, our non-operative spine specialists—Dr. Deimel and Dr. Miedema—carefully evaluate each patient to determine if a spinal cord stimulator is the right option.

In many cases, patients will undergo a trial period with the device before committing to permanent implantation. A psychological evaluation may also be recommended to ensure the best possible outcomes.

What Are the Risks?

Like any medical procedure, spinal cord stimulators carry some risks. These may include:

• Allergic reaction to implant materials
• Spinal fluid leakage
• Pain or discomfort at the implant site
• Skin irritation or infection

That said, for many patients, the benefits of pain relief and improved function outweigh these risks—especially when guided by experienced specialists.

Exploring Your Non-Surgical Pain Relief Options

A spinal cord stimulator is just one of several non-surgical solutions available for chronic spine pain. Our team may also discuss other innovative treatments, including minimally invasive procedures like the Vertiflex™ procedure, depending on your condition.

The key is a personalized approach—focused on reducing pain while helping you stay active and independent.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief

You don’t have to live with chronic back pain. If conservative treatments haven’t worked, a spinal cord stimulator may be an option worth exploring.

Schedule a consultation with spine team at Ozark Orthopaedics to learn more about your options.