Sometimes chronic back pain fails to respond to all other treatments. When this happens, patients can despair that all their options have been exhausted – but this isn’t the case. Visiting an expert spine surgeon in New York is an opportunity to discuss other alternatives such as implantation of a spinal stimulator.
Spinal stimulation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses an electric current to treat chronic pain. A small pulse generator is implanted into the back, and this sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These electrical pulses interfere with the natural nerve impulses which cause chronic pain, thereby alleviating pain at its source.
The procedure itself is not complicated. Soft, very thin wires that are attached to electrical leads are inserted into the back near the spinal column via a needle. A small incision is made in the upper buttock or the abdomen, and a very small programmable generator is inserted under the skin. This generator emits electrical pulses, and these pulses then travel to the spinal cord via the wires.
The generator is programmed using a remote device, allowing it to be adjusted as needed. While at first programming is done by the doctor, the patients can eventually learn how to control the stimulator to suit their pain levels.
This treatment doesn’t work for everyone, but up to sixty percent of patients who are suitable for implantation of spinal stimulation in New York experience a significant reduction in their pain, and hence an enhanced ability to participate in normal activities, including work. In fact, many patients are able to say goodbye to their pain medications once and for all.
If you need spinal stimulation, you deserve experienced surgeons to provide comprehensive spine care. Dr. Ezriel Kornel and Dr. Krishn Sharma can help you overcome the pain of your condition. Please call (914) 353-4106 to schedule a consultation appointment today!