Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants

Are you suffering from chronic neuropathic pain in your back, arms, and legs? The Central Texas Spine Institute of Austin has successfully treated many patients using spinal cord stimulator, or SCS, implants. Neuropathic pain results from erroneous nerve signals that create irritation and discomfort in response to normal, everyday stimulus. The goal of an SCS implant is to block these false pain impulses through the use of an electric current. If you have exhausted all other options for dealing with your neuropathic pain, a spinal cord stimulator implant may be just the treatment you’re looking for.

Before permanently implanting an SCS device, your orthopedic surgeon will first fit you with a trial implant. During the procedure, an insulated wire is inserted into your epidural space through a needle in your lower back. Electrical impulses are generated at electrodes at the end of the wire, and the patient provides feedback as the wire is positioned. Once an effective position is found, the wire is connected to an external control device. Over the next couple of weeks, the patient will determine the effectiveness of their spinal cord stimulator. If it is decided that the SCS is having a positive impact on the patient’s pain, a permanent spinal cord stimulator will then be implanted. This requires the placement of an implantable pulse generator in the buttocks or abdomen. The pulses can then be programmed and managed with a wireless control unit.

To learn more about spinal cord stimulator implants, come to Austin and talk to renowned orthopedic surgeon Randall F. Dryer, M.D. He has the knowledge and experience to determine if SCS is right for you and if so, to make it as effective of a treatment as possible. Contact the Central Texas Spine Institute today!