Spinal Cord Stimulation in Austin | Greater Austin Pain Center

What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator and How Does it Work?

A spinal cord stimulator is a small device that is implanted near the spine to reduce chronic pain. After it is implanted via surgery, spinal cord stimulation uses mild electrical pulses to interfere with pain signals reaching the brain. This neuromodulation reduces pain because the electrical pulses mask the pain signal, preventing it from reaching your brain.

In other words, spinal cord stimulation doesn’t eliminate the source of pain. Instead, it works by interfering with the signal to the brain, causing patients to either not feel pain signals experience a tingling feeling instead.

Not all patients get the same degree of relief from neuromodulation, so a trial period is respected before permanent surgery is performed. This means that there are two procedures in the spinal cord stimulator implant process: the trial and the implantation. Even if a patient changes their mind after permanent surgery, spinal cord stimulators can be removed without damaging the spinal cord or nerves.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants Make Pain a Thing of the Past

Spinal cord stimulation in Austin, TX is a type of neuromodulation that can improve your sleep, quality of life, and ability to go about your day without taking pain medication. The spinal cord stimulator implant procedure itself is minimally invasive and has a low risk of complications. Compared to other surgical treatments, the healing time for spinal cord stimulator surgery is generally shorter.

What do Spinal cord stimulators treat?

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
Nerve-related pain
Post-surgical pain
Arachnoiditis
Heart pain
Spinal cord injuries
Peripheral vascular disease
Perineal pain

Generally, spinal cord stimulation treatment is used for people who aren’t able to get sufficient pain relief with medications, less-invasive therapies or other surgeries.

What To Expect From the Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Process

Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial

During the Austin spinal cord stimulator trial procedure, the device is not implanted in the body. Instead, the wires are inserted and an external transmitter sends the pulses.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation

After a successful spinal cord stimulator trial, the spinal cord stimulator implant, a small generator, is placed discreetly under the skin and gives you complete control over your relief.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery Recovery Time and Care

Recovery is one of the most important parts of any surgery, and the most important part of the recovery process from an Austin TX spinal cord stimulator implant surgery is the first week after. During the recovery, our spinal cord stimulator implant doctors will first provide you with a list of activities to avoid as much as possible for a few weeks after surgery, including:

Lifting objects heavier than five pounds
Athletic activities that could move the device before you heal
Sudden jerking motions like twisting and bending
Extended periods of sitting still that put pressure on your spine
Lifting your arms above your head

Activities like driving may also be restricted in the first few weeks after surgery. Discuss any specific activities you need to do for your work or home life with your Greater Austin Pain Center doctor prior to surgery.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

The Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Process

Schedule an Appointment

Give us a call to schedule your appointment to one of our locations. You can also fill out our form, and we’ll reach out to finalize your appointment.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Period

If you’re considered a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation, we’ll have you try out spinal cord stimulation for a few days with a temporary implant.

Permanent Implant

If the trial period goes well, we’ll implant a permanent spinal cord stimulator that allows you to adjust the type of pain relief needed for various activities.

Testimonials

"Dr. Jarzembeck is AMAZING. I HIGHLY recommend her for anyone suffering in pain. She goes above and beyond to make sure her patients pain has been dealt with."

Genia G.

"Everyone is so friendly and helpful, Dr. Bednar came to me and explained the procedure and answered my questions. Highly recommend!"

Maggie G.

"Dr. Julia is the best! The staff is professional and friendly to all. Best of all, Dr. Julia is finding solutions for my chronic pain! Never thought that it would be possible. It's a journey for me, but it seems like there is a solution."

Nancy M.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does spinal cord stimulation work?

Yes, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established, effective treatment for chronic pain that's been used for over 40 years and is approved by the FDA. Moreover, spinal cord stimulation has been shown to reduce pain levels by 40-60%, improve quality of life, and reduce opioid use in many patients.

Are you put to sleep for spinal cord stimulator surgery?

Yes. Spinal Cord Stimulation requires general anesthesia, as the electrodes must be secured to the ligaments and bone of the spine.

Is a spinal cord stimulator trial painful?

As with any surgery—even a minimally invasive one—the initial recovery period following the procedure can be painful. Light activities can often be resumed after two to three weeks, but complete recovery may take up to eight weeks.

How is a spinal cord stimulator implanted?

Similar to the trial, an electrode (lead) is surgically implanted into the epidural space, while an anesthetic is used to numb the area before it’s inserted. The procedure usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, and, in many cases, you are able to go home the same day.

Can I return to daily activities after it’s implanted?

While most physical activities are considered safe following the procedure, we will let you know when it is okay to resume everyday activities following your procedure.

Does insurance cover spinal cord stimulators?

Spinal cord stimulators have been approved under CPT code 63650, for Medicare patients, and Greater Austin Pain Center works with both Medicare and most insurance plans.

Contact us for more information about whether Spinal Cord Stimulation is covered by your insurance plan.

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Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial and Implantation in Austin, TX

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What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator and How Does it Work?

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants Make Pain a Thing of the Past

What do Spinal cord stimulators treat?