Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation is a treatment that uses mild electrical pulses to change how pain signals travel before they reach the brain. It may help some people with chronic nerve or spine-related pain when other treatments have not brought enough relief.
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Nonsurgical Spine Care & Pain Management
We have decades of experience caring for patients with back and spine conditions, pioneering minimally invasive treatments and leading research for new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is a type of neuromodulation that uses a small implanted system to send mild electrical pulses near the spinal cord. These pulses are designed to change how pain signals are processed, which may help reduce how strongly pain is felt.
This treatment may be considered for people with long-lasting pain related to the spine or nerves when medication, physical therapy, injections or other conservative care have not helped enough. The right option depends on the source of pain, overall health and a physician’s evaluation.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
At Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care, patients benefit from a coordinated approach to chronic pain and spine-related symptoms. Care planning may include imaging, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain management and specialist evaluation to help determine whether spinal cord stimulation is an appropriate next step.
Because spinal cord stimulation is not the right fit for every type of pain, the team focuses on careful patient selection, clear education and personalized treatment planning. When helpful, your physician may also discuss related options for conditions such as sciatica or spinal stenosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Spinal cord stimulation is usually a minimally invasive procedure rather than open surgery. It may involve placing thin leads near the spinal cord and, in some cases, implanting a small pulse generator under the skin. Your physician can explain exactly what your procedure would involve.
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Spinal cord stimulation is often used for certain types of chronic nerve-related or spine-related pain. It may be discussed when symptoms continue after other treatments have not helped enough. The specific condition, pain pattern and treatment history all matter.
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People may be considered when pain has lasted a long time, affects daily life and has not improved enough with more conservative treatment. Candidacy depends on the cause of pain, prior care, overall health and a physician’s evaluation.
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Spinal cord stimulation is usually intended to manage pain, not cure the underlying cause in every case. The goal is often to reduce symptoms, improve function and help patients do more with less pain. Results vary from person to person.
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Recovery depends on whether you have a temporary trial or a permanent implanted system. Some patients recover quickly after a same-day procedure, while others need more time for healing and device adjustment. Your care team will review your expected timeline.
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Yes. Risks can include infection, bleeding, discomfort, device-related issues or limited pain relief. Your physician will review the potential risks, expected benefits and follow-up needs before treatment.
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Possibly. Some patients still need medication, physical therapy, exercise or other treatments as part of a broader pain management plan. Spinal cord stimulation is often one part of care rather than the only treatment.
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Your physician may adjust the device settings, recommend additional evaluation or discuss other options. This may include medication changes, rehabilitation, injection-based care or other procedures based on your symptoms and diagnosis.
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Our researchers play a vital role in helping us better understand brain and spine disease. They participate in a wide variety of clinical trials dedicated to improving treatments that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Learn more about their work and what it means to be involved in a clinical trial.
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