A spinal cord stimulator, also called a dorsal column stimulator, is an implanted electronic device used to help treat chronic pain and has been in use for over 30 years. The device delivers a low-level electrical current through wires placed in an area near your spinal cord. The device is similar in size to a pacemaker.
This procedure involves implanting a device that uses electrical impulses to regulate pain. Patients can adjust the strength of the impulses with an external device. This is usually performed when all other procedures have been shown ineffective.
The spinal cord stimulator will not cure pain, but a 50% or more significant decrease can be expected. An increase in patients’ activity and the need for less pain medication are considered successful results.
A spinal cord stimulator can be helpful in reducing pain caused by a herniated disc, sciatic pain, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis.