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Electric Pulse Implant to Eliminate Back Pain

Neurostimulation uses implants under your skin to relieve back pain. Electrical currents sent to specific areas of your spinal cord result in a tingling sensation that prevents your brain from sensing pain signals in those areas, according to Spine Universe.

  1. Purpose

    • The goal of this treatment is to provide complete relief from back pain or at least a significant decrease in pain to improve your quality of life, according to Spine Universe.

    Programming

    • After electrical leads and a small generator are implanted, an external device is used to program the stimulation as needed, according to Spine University.

    Trial

    • Spine Universe indicates that a trial implant system is typically used prior to a permanent implant. Not everyone is a candidate for this type of treatment.

    Procedure

    • According to Mayfield Clinic, the surgical procedure is done under a light sedative and takes between three and four hours.

    Success Rate

    • Mayfield Clinic reports a 40 percent to 70 percent success rate for long-term, significant relief of chronic pain.

    Risks

    • Some of the risks associated with this procedure include complications of surgery, undesirable sensations, epidural hemorrhage, spinal cord compression, and problems associated with the system itself, according to Mayfield Clinic.

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