Spinal cord stimulators are being used more and more frequently to manage back pain and nerve pain resistant to treatment.  The device works by passing an electrical current through the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.  This, in effect, creates a pleasant sensation in the painful area.  It acts like a TENS unit inside the body.

What is the protocol?

First, a trial is performed.  An epidural needle is used to insert the wire into the epidural space.  Once the sensation occurs in the painful are, the wire is secured to the skin and connected to an external pulse generator/battery.  The patient goes home and tests out the device for a few days.  If the patient is satisfied, with the result (over a 50% decrease in pain score-for most patients), then a small IPG (battery/pusle generator) is inserted into the subcutaneous fascia.  Most patients can go home the next day.

The company representative then usually educates the patient on its uses.