If you suffer from ongoing back pain, spinal cord stimulation can safely lessen your discomfort and improve your quality of life. At Philadelphia Smart Pain & Wellness, with offices in Northeast Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, pain management specialist Samuel Grodofsky, MD, is a highly trained and nationally recognized leader in spinal cord stimulation therapy. He offers this treatment on an outpatient basis in an ambulatory surgery center. To see if you’re a candidate, book an appointment online, or call the nearest Philadelphia Smart Pain & Wellness office today.

request an appointment

What is spinal cord stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation uses an implantable device to relieve pain in your back, neck, pelvis, arms, legs, and other areas that do not respond to conservative treatments or surgery.

Each spinal cord stimulator has several electrodes and a small battery pack. Dr. Grodofsky places the electrodes in your epidural space, the area between your vertebrae and spinal cord, during an outpatient procedure. He then implants the battery pack under your skin near your abdomen or buttocks.

Following surgery, Dr. Grodofsky gives you a remote control. The remote allows you to send low levels of electricity into your spinal cord whenever you experience pain.

How does spinal cord stimulation work?

Researchers aren’t entirely sure how spinal cord stimulation works. It’s thought that the electrical energy targets specific muscle groups in your spine and changes the way your brain senses pain. When combined, these things trigger significant, long-term pain relief.

What conditions can benefit from spinal cord stimulation?

Several conditions can benefit from spinal cord stimulation, including:

  • Back pain
  • Pain after surgery
  • Arachnoiditis (inflammation of the thin membrane the surrounds your spinal cord)
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Perineal pain
  • Pelvic pain

You could also benefit from spinal cord stimulation if you’re living with nerve damage caused by diabetes or another chronic condition.

Can I benefit from spinal cord stimulation?

To determine if you’ll benefit from spinal cord stimulation, Dr. Grodofsky does a physical exam, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and reviews your medical history. You’re likely a candidate if your pain doesn’t respond to more conservative treatments like rest, over-the-counter medicines, and/or physical therapy.

What is recovery like following spinal cord stimulator placement?

Following the implant procedure, Dr. Grodofsky sends you home with recovery instructions. The first few days after surgery, it’s normal to experience some bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort near your incisions.

The incisions usually take two to four to six weeks to heal. Change your bandages regularly, take medication as prescribed, and go to each of your follow-up appointments. The first two weeks after surgery, avoid strenuous exercise and lifting. You should be able to return to work within three to seven days of your procedure.

To learn more about spinal cord stimulation, request a consultation at Philadelphia Smart Pain & Wellness. Book an appointment online, or call the nearest office today.