Question 1

How does neuromodulation  work?

Accepted Answer

Neuromodulation therapy uses a small device, similar to a pacemaker, to deliver small amounts of electrical pulses to the spinal cord. When turned on, the neuromodulation stimulates the nerves in the area where your pain is felt. These electrical pulses help turn off and mask pain signals before they reach awareness in the brain, reducing the experience of pain.

Question 2

Why should I choose neuromodulation?

Accepted Answer

Neuromodulation can improve overall quality of life and sleep, and reduce the need for pain medicines, including opioid medication. Neuromodulation may be an option if you suffer peripheral neuropathy, chronic back, leg or arm pain and have not found relief with other therapies. It is typically used along with other pain management treatments.

Question 3

What is the procedure for neuromodulation?

Accepted Answer

There are two steps required when considering an implant. The first is a trial to test the device for the individual patient, and the second is the implantation. A trial is necessary to ensure neuromodulation is right for you.

To place the device for your trial, our providers use a hollow needle to insert the temporary wires into the epidural space between your spinal cord and bone. Placement is guided by the use of X-ray, and the wires are precisely positioned to address specific pain areas in efforts to provide pain relief. The other ends of the wires attach to an external pulse generator (or battery pack) worn on a specialized belt.

A local anesthetic keeps you free of discomfort during the procedure and sedation is offered for those who are anxious about the procedure.

Question 4

Does neuromodulation eliminate pain?

Accepted Answer

Neuromodulation does not eliminate the source of pain. Instead, it changes the way your brain perceives pain. As a result, neuromodulation provides different levels of pain relief for each patient. Each patient’s pain relief varies.
Although many patients report 100% pain relief, the goal is to reduce pain by at least 50% and 70%. For those who suffer chronic pain, even a small amount of pain reduction can be meaningful.

Question 5

Will neuromodulation work for me?

Accepted Answer

Like any treatment or medication, neuromodulation might not work for everyone. Some people may find the sensation unpleasant. Other people may not get relief over the entire pain area. To ensure the neuromodulation is right for you, we complete a trial stimulation for one week. If neuromodulation is not right for you, the trial wires can be easily removed, leaving no damage to the spinal cord or nerves.

Question 6

What neuromodulation devices do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Our providers work with neuromodulation devices from Abbott, Boston Scientific and Nevro.

Question 7

Who is a good candidate for neuromodulation?

Accepted Answer

You can use neuromodulation treatment to address chronic pain in your neck, back, legs, and arms. In addition, neuromodulation is typically considered for these conditions:

Abdominal and perineal pain
Arachnoiditis (inflammation and scarring of the spinal nerves)
Back and leg pain that continues after back surgery (called failed back surgery syndrome)
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
Diabetic neuropathy
Heart pain (angina)
Peripheral vascular disease
Phantom limb pain
Postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of shingles

Neuromodulation works better in the earlier stages of a chronic condition.

Neuromodulation

A nonsurgical option for lasting pain relief

Neuromodulation FAQs

We offer neuromodulation devices from these leading companies

Physician Referrals Welcome