The patient can use the programmer to turn the system on or off, adjust the stimulation power level and switch between different programs. The internal pulse generator (IPG/battery) is programmed with an external wireless programmer. The leads are then tunneled beneath the skin, from the spine to the IPG pocket and connected to the IPG battery. It is most often implanted in the buttocks or the flank. Next, a small incision is created in the upper buttock or flank, and the implantable pulse generator (IPG) battery is positioned beneath the skin. First, one or more permanent leads are inserted through an epidural needle placed through a small incision in the midline spinal area and advanced into the predetermined location in the epidural space. The permanent implantation may be performed while the patient is under sedation or general anesthesia. At the end of the trial implantation, the leads are removed. If the patient and physician determine that the amount of pain relief is acceptable, the system may be permanently implanted. The leads are connected to an external trial stimulator, which will be used for approximately one week to determine if SCS will help the patient. The patient may sometimes be asked to provide feedback to help the physician determine where to place the stimulation leads to best block the pain. Find the Right LocationĮlectrodes at the end of the lead wire produce electrical pulses that stimulate the spinal cord and spinal nerves, blocking pain signals. IV conscious sedation or general anesthesia can be administered as the patient wishes. The trial procedure is similar to an epidural steroid injection and there is no incision and no surgery required. One or more insulated wire leads are inserted through an epidural needle into the space surrounding the spinal cord, called the epidural space. Contact us at Hanowell Spine Clinic in Covington, GA, to schedule a consultation to discuss dorsal column stimulator implantation or other chronic pain treatment.The injection site is anesthetized. If you suffer from sciatica, CRPS, failed back surgery syndrome or other lower body chronic pain, SCS may be an option for pain management. Spinal cord stimulation is one of the many options we offer at Hanowell Spine Clinic to give patients with chronic pain relief. The procedure is reversible, as the DCS can be removed if it no longer offers relief for the patient. If successful, the patient may be qualified for implantation of a dorsal column stimulator that can offer controllable, long-term pain relief. The device with probes to the spinal cord is attached outside the body to establish if the patient has effective pain relief from the device.
To determine if spinal cord stimulation is a viable option, a trial with a temporary device is completed. The DCS is controlled through a remote by the patient, increasing electrical stimulus as needed to block pain signals. The device is implanted in the spinal epidural space to offer direct delivery of electrical signals to the nerves sending the targeted pain signals. Spinal cord stimulation with a dorsal column stimulator involves directly releasing electrical signals to interrupt pain signals. If the source of pain cannot be effectively treated, another option is interrupting the pain signals before they reach the brain. Pain signals are sent through the peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord and brain. How Does a Dorsal Column Stimulator Work?
At Hanowell Spine Clinic in Covington, GA, we offer spinal cord stimulation, or SCS, as one of our treatment modalities for chronic pain.
There are many different neuromodulation methods, but one of the most direct and effective is spinal stimulation, or the use of a dorsal column stimulator (DCS). Another treatment option is neuromodulation, or interrupting the pain signals to the brain. Not all pain can be mitigated through surgery or treatment. Chronic pain in the lower back, hips or legs can be difficult to control or alleviate.