Non-Surgical Back Pain Relief: Understanding Electric Pulse Implants

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.

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.