Spinal Cord Stimulation

If you’ve tried treatments for your chronic back or neck pain without success, spinal cord stimulation could help you. James Stephens, DO, of Interventional Pain Center in Norman, Oklahoma, is an experienced anesthesiologist and fellowship-trained interventional pain management physician providing expert care to patients, helping them get relief with advanced solutions. Schedule a consultation by calling Interventional Pain Center or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical impulses directly to your spinal cord to bring relief to your back, neck, arms, or legs. The procedure involves implanting a small device, called a spinal cord stimulator, near your spine to stimulate the nerves in your spinal cord, causing them to interfere with the pain signals that the nerves send to your brain.

Spinal cord stimulation might be the best solution if you’re still suffering from pain after trying other options. At your appointment at Interventional Pain Center, Dr. Stephens can talk to you about the benefits of the procedure and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

Who can benefit from spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation helps many conditions for both men and women.

You could be a candidate for this treatment if you suffer from:

• Neuropathy
• Chronic back pain
• Chronic neck pain
• Lumbar radiculitis
• Cervical radiculitis
• Chest pain
• Inflammation of the spinal nerves
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Complex regional pain syndrome

Getting the right treatment for your pain is key to feeling better. Dr. Stephens thoroughly assesses your condition to customize the right treatment plan.

What is the process for placing a spinal cord stimulator?

Spinal cord stimulation is performed in two stages. The first stage is a trial period lasting approximately a week to ensure the treatment effectively relieves your pain. Dr. Stephens implants the wire into your spine, but the device that provides the electrical current stays outside your body.

If spinal cord stimulation relieves your pain and restores your mobility and function, Dr. Stephens will schedule an appointment to implant the spinal cord stimulation device in your back permanently.

What should I expect after spinal cord stimulator implantation?

You should be able to go home the same day as your procedure or the next morning. You should avoid lifting, bending, or twisting your back for approximately six weeks while your back heals or Dr. Stephens gives you the okay. 

If you have any tenderness at the implantation sites, apply ice for 15-20 minutes three or four times a day. You should also get up and walk around for up to 10 minutes every three or four hours and increase your walking time as you’re able.

If you’d like to talk to the team at Interventional Pain Center about spinal cord stimulation, schedule an appointment by calling the office or book one online today.