Spinal Cord Stimulator
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Palmetto Spine and Pain Care Consultants
Interventional Spine and Pain Physicians located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Spinal cord stimulators are an FDA-approved method of pain relief that helps 14,000 adults each year find relief from debilitating chronic pain. Dr. Stephen E. Boatwright and the team of pain management specialists at Palmetto Spine and Pain Care Consultants in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offer spinal cord stimulators for those who can’t get pain relief from other treatments and procedures. Call or schedule a consultation to learn if this is an option for relieving your type of pain.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Q & A
What is a spinal cord stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator is a small, implanted device that sends electrical pulses to your nerves to inhibit pain messages from being sent to your brain. For men and women who have had unsuccessful back surgery, or their chronic pain doesn't respond to other treatment methods and procedures, spinal cord stimulation may help them get long-term pain relief.
Spinal cord stimulators work best to relieve the pain in your torso, legs, arms, and spine. This treatment method is often used to treat chronic neck and back pain.
How does a spinal cord stimulator work?
Since a spinal cord stimulator is a device that Dr. Boatwright implants under your skin, he first conducts an assessment and trial before installing the permanent implant. In the first part of the procedure, Dr. Boatwright conducts a neuromodulation assessment and clinical in-office trials to determine if you’re a good candidate for a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant. During the trials, you receive neurostimulation (electrical nerve stimulation) through a temporary electrode on the surface of your skin.
If the in-office trials using the temporary nerve stimulator work well, Dr. Boatwright implants a permanent stimulator under your skin. This is usually an outpatient procedure using a local anesthetic and a mild sedative.
Dr. Boatwright implants the spinal cord stimulator under your skin, and small wires connect to nerves or directly to your spinal canal. When the stimulator sends electrical pulses to your nerves, it blocks pain signals from being sent to your brain, and you feel relief.
What can I expect with a spinal cord stimulator?
Once it has been implanted, Dr. Boatwright and his knowledgeable team explain how to use your spinal cord stimulator for pain relief. Typically, you determine the best pulse strength for relieving your pain. You use the stimulator at home one or two hours at a time, three or four times each day, but Dr. Boatwright goes over all the specifics with you, so you know exactly what to do.
The Palmetto Spine and Pain Care Consultants team use the Boston Scientific Precision spinal cord stimulators. The Boston Scientific system is a comfortable implant that minimizes any pain where the doctor inserts it. These spinal cord stimulators are some of the smallest, thinnest implants with the capability of delivering exceptional results.
To learn more about spinal cord stimulators as a long-term pain management option, call or schedule a consultation online.
