Spinal Cord Stimulators in Saddle River, NJ
Spinal cord stimulators use electrical current to treat nerve pain that originates in the spine. Patients who have chronic back pain may benefit from spinal cord stimulators. Stimulators are usually tried after other methods of controlling back pain have failed.
Some of the reasons your provider may consider a spinal cord stimulator include:
- Treatment of pain after a failed back surgery
- Chronic back pain
- Nerve pain or numbness in your arms or legs
Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery
Spinal cord stimulators are implanted under the skin near nerves or in the area of the spine that is causing your pain. Before you receive the implanted electrode, your provider will try a temporary one to see if it helps your pain (spinal cord stimulator trial).
You will be able to control the electrical current from the electrode. If it reduces your pain by at least 50%, your provider will replace the temporary electrode with a more permanent one. The permanent electrode is placed during a surgical procedure and you should be able to go home from the hospital the same day.
You will have a small bandage over the area on your back where the stimulator was placed. Just keep it clean and dry for a few days.
Can You See My Spinal Cord Stimulator Once It's Placed?
No. During your surgery, your provider will place the electrodes in your back and then run the wires from these electrodes under your skin to the upper buttocks. The battery for your stimulator is placed under the skin and the electrodes are attached.
The skin is stitched closed and will heal in a few weeks. There are no wires or packs to carry on the outside of your body. You can wear normal clothes, swim and perform your regular daily tasks.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Benefits
The biggest benefit of spinal cord stimulators is a reduction in pain. Not every patient will have total pain relief, but a reduction in long-term pain is still positive for many patients.
After Your Spinal Cord Stimulator Is Placed
After your stimulator is placed, your provider will help you determine how often to use it. For many people, the stimulator is activated in one-hour increments three or four times each day.
Facts About Spinal Cord Stimulators
If you have a spinal cord stimulator placed, remember that you cannot have an MRI for as long as the electrodes remain in your body - even if you aren't using it. Stimulator electrodes can also interfere with other assistive devices in the body like pacemakers and defibrillators in the heart.
Request More Information
To learn more about spinal cord stimulators, please call (201) 806-6099 or contact Medwell Orthopedics & Functional Medicine for Men & Women online.
Medwell Orthopedics & Functional Medicine for Men & Women
Address
33 Central AveMidland Park, NJ 07432
(201) 806-6099
www.BergenCountyDoctors.com
Hours
Mon:
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tue:
2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wed:
8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Thu:
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Fri:
8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Sat:
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sun:
By Appointment Only