A spinal cord stimulator is a device used to help manage certain types of chronic pain when other treatments have not provided enough relief. The system uses a small implanted device to deliver mild electrical signals to specific areas near the spinal cord. These signals can alter the way pain messages are processed, which may reduce the intensity of pain experienced by some patients.
Before permanent implantation, patients typically undergo a temporary trial to determine whether spinal cord stimulation provides meaningful pain relief. If the trial is successful, a permanent system may be implanted. Spinal cord stimulation does not eliminate the underlying cause of pain, but it may help reduce pain and improve function and quality of life for appropriately selected patients.
