Stimulators Specialist

Johnston Pain Management, P.A.

Pain Management located in Jacksonville, NC & New Bern, NC

A stimulator device can stop you from detecting pain signals by inhibiting them before they reach your brain. At Johnston Pain Management, P.A., in Jacksonville, New Bern, and Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, board-certified pain management experts can implant a permanent device if you find relief from stimulation during a short initial trial period. To schedule an appointment, call Johnston Pain Management, P.A., or book one online today.

Stimulators Q & A

What are stimulators?

Stimulators, or spinal cord stimulators, are implantable devices that deliver electric signals to your spine according to your data from a remote control. The device itself includes a battery pack and thin wires called electrodes that sit in the epidural space around your spinal cord.

The electric impulses from the battery pack travel through the electrodes to prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. The battery pack sits under your skin on your buttocks or lower back. You get a remote control outside the body to use when you feel pain.

Before you get your permanent stimulator, you spend a trial period using a temporary device that functions in the same way. If the trial period doesn’t help with your pain, a stimulator probably isn’t the best option for you. However, if the trial period is successful, you may benefit from a permanent stimulator.

Who can benefit from a stimulator?

Stimulators treat many pain types originating in various parts of the body, including the spine itself. If other nonsurgical options have not provided relief of your symptoms, a spinal cord stimulator may be the next step in treating pain from:

Spinal cord injuries
Angina
Complex regional pain syndrome
Peripheral vascular disease
Post-amputation pain
Post-surgical pain
Visceral abdominal pain
Pelvic pain

Your providers may encourage you to try less invasive options before considering spinal cord stimulation. If your pain improves with stimulation or with other therapies, you may be able to avoid surgically treating your condition.

Which symptoms do stimulators improve?

Getting a stimulator can control painful nerve signals that disrupt your everyday life. When you use it according to the instructions from your providers at Johnston Pain Management, P.A., your spinal cord stimulator can:

Relieve pain
Reduce your need for pain medications
Improve your sleep
Improve your concentration

Typically, spinal cord stimulation works best as a treatment alongside physical or occupational therapy, exercise, relaxation methods, and medications. You might also benefit from psychological counseling regarding your pain and managing it.

To learn more about stimulation and how it treats pain, call Johnston Pain Management, P.A., or book an appointment online today.

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