How Spinal Cord Stimulators are Delivering Drug-Free Relief for Chronic Back Pain

You’ve tried over-the-counter and prescription medications. You’ve gone to the chiropractor and have received physical therapy. You’ve also used hot pads, ice packs, and different shaped pillows.

But your back pain still persists.

When nothing works, it’s easy to feel like you’re at your wit’s end. But don’t give up. Pain management expert John S. Michels, MD, at Interventional Pain & Spine has what you just might need: spinal cord stimulators for drug-free relief of chronic back pain.

What is spinal cord stimulation?

The concept is simple. If your body can’t tell your brain that something is hurting, you won’t feel it. A spinal cord stimulator delivers low-level electrical signals to specific nerves to block pain signals before they reach your brain. The small device, which is implanted, delivers electrical signals through wires to the problematic nerves in your spinal cord.

By masking the pain signals, you may be able to reduce or eliminate any use of pain medications. It may be a good option for you if you suffer from chronic back pain and haven’t found relief with other therapies or surgery.

There are many different types of spinal cord stimulators. Dr. Michels can help you choose the one that’s best for you.

Is spinal cord stimulation right for me?

Like any other procedure, spinal cord stimulation isn’t the right choice for everyone, though it’s considered very successful.

To determine if you’re a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation, Dr. Michels first conducts a physical evaluation, examines your health and pain history, and discusses your lifestyle.

Then, he gives you a one-week trial to see if a spinal cord stimulator can help you. If you and Dr. Michels determine that the device reduces your pain, he may recommend you get the device implanted permanently .

Spinal cord stimulation therapy for back pain might be right for you if:

• You’ve had no success with conservative therapies
• You’ve had back surgery and would not benefit from additional surgery
• You do not want additional back surgery
• You’re generally in good health
• You do not have untreated depression
• You do not have any untreated drug addictions

If spinal cord stimulation doesn't work for you, Dr. Michels will remove the trial device. You shouldn’t experience any damage to your spinal cord or nerves.

To see if a spinal cord stimulator can help you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Interventional Pain & Spine today.