Where is the spinal cord stimulator implanted?
The spinal cord stimulator system is usually implanted in the back. It includes a pulse generator which is powered by a battery. Signals are sent from the generator to electrodes located at the end of an insulated wire called a lead. The lead is implanted in the spinal column near the nerves that correspond to the patient’s area of pain. How does the spinal cord stimulator work? Spinal cord stimulators use low voltage stimulation to block the pain signal to the brain. The small generator, which is implanted in the body, transmits an electrical current to the spinal cord resulting in a tingling sensation rather than pain. The amplitude strength and rate of the electronic pulse of a spinal cord stimulator is set via radio waves from an external programmer. There are now rechargeable spinal cord stimulators that may last up to 10 years. How will the spinal cord stimulator make me feel? With a spinal cord stimulator, instead of pain, patients feel a tingling sensation that covers the area
