What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is pain lasting more than 3 months and continuing even after the
original injury or illness has healed. It can affect sleep, daily activities,
mood, and overall quality of life.

What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is a small implantable device that reduces pain signals
before they reach the brain. It delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord
to modify how pain is perceived.

Benefits

• Significant reduction in chronic pain
• Improved daily activity and mobility
• Better sleep and quality of life
• May reduce need for pain medications
• Adjustable and reversible therapy

Common Conditions

• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Chronic nerve pain (neuropathy)
• Sciatica or radicular pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Post-surgical nerve pain

Main Components

• Thin wires (leads) placed near the spinal cord
• Small battery device (pulse generator)
• Handheld remote control

Trial Before Implant

Patients first undergo a temporary trial lasting about 5–7 days.
If pain relief improves by about 50% or more, permanent implantation
may be recommended.

The Implant Procedure

The permanent spinal cord stimulator is implanted using a minimally invasive
procedure under local anesthesia or sedation.

Procedure Steps

• Placement of leads near the spinal cord
• Implantation of a small battery under the skin
• Device programming for optimal pain relief

Who Can Benefit?

Spinal cord stimulation may help patients who have chronic pain that does not
improve with medications, physiotherapy, or injections.

Typical Candidates

• Persistent back or leg pain
• Nerve-related pain
• Pain after spine surgery
• Pain lasting more than 3–6 months

Life After Implant

Patients can return to normal activities and can adjust the stimulation using
a remote control. Rechargeable systems allow long-term use.