Spinal cord stimulation uses pulsed electrical energy near the spinal cord to manage pain. Initially, this technique applied pulsed energy in the intrathecal space. Presently, neuromodulation involves the implantation of leads in the epidural space. A similar principle utilizes the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system stimulation in deep/cortical brain stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation, respectively.
Spinal cord stimulation is used most often after nonsurgical pain treatment options have failed to provide sufficient relief. Spinal cord stimulators may be used to treat or manage different types of chronic pain, including:
- Back pain, especially back pain that continues even after surgery (failed back surgery syndrome)
- Post-surgical pain
- Injuries to the spinal cord
- Nerve-related pain (such as severe diabetic neuropathy and cancer-related neuropathy from radiation, surgery or chemotherapy)
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- …….
