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