Spinal Cord Stimulator Specialist

What is a spinal cord stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device that alleviates chronic pain. It works by sending a mild electrical current to specific nerves in your spine, which disrupts the pain signal and reduces your pain sensations.

Dr. Schmidt is an experienced interventional pain management specialist and well-versed in all the modern interventional pain therapies, including the pain-relieving benefits of the spinal cord stimulator.

Am I a good candidate for a spinal cord stimulator?

When you come in for a pain consultation at Ascension Comprehensive Pain Management Program, Dr. Schmidt conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the best treatment to relieve your pain.

He may consider you a good candidate for a spinal cord stimulator if you suffer from a chronic pain condition and fail to get relief from traditional treatments. 

Some of the chronic pain conditions that benefit from a spinal cord stimulator include:

• Chronic back pain
• Chronic neck pain
• Joint pain
• Sciatica
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Arachnoiditis

When Dr. Schmidt considers you a candidate for the spinal cord stimulator, he conducts a trial run before permanent placement. During the trial run, he places temporary electrodes on the nerves in your spine, and you wear the device on your waist.

If your trial run is a success, then Dr. Schmidt talks to you about the placement of the device. 

How is a spinal cord stimulator placed?

During your spinal cord stimulator placement, Dr. Schmidt inserts the medical device under your skin in your buttocks area. He then sutures permanent electrodes where your spine generates the pain.

After placement, Dr. Schmidt sends you to the recovery area for monitoring and then discharges you. He recommends you arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure. 

What can I expect after the placement of my spinal cord stimulator?

Dr. Schmidt provides detailed instructions regarding activity and care following your spinal cord stimulator placement. 

Though you may experience some post-surgical pain, you should immediately notice an improvement in your chronic pain condition after the placement of your spinal cord stimulator.

Dr. Schmidt schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor you and your pain and adjust your treatment plan.

To learn more about the spinal cord stimulator, call Ascension Comprehensive Pain Management Program, or schedule an appointment online today.