

The device is connected to special electrodes that are positioned over the back of your spinal cord by wires placed inside the spinal canal. The small stimulator device is similar to a pacemaker and is implanted underneath the skin, usually in the lower abdomen or upper buttock. Spinal cord stimulation can be thought of as blocking the pain signal as it travels up the spinal cord to the brain. In the neck these nerves travel into the arms and hands. In the case of the lower or lumbar spine, these nerves travel into the lower extremities. Pain from an irritated or pinched nerve root follows a pattern that matches where the nerve travels through the body. This may cause symptoms of nerve dysfunction such as burning, pins and needles, and hypersensitivity. If there is not enough room for the nerve roots to easily travel through these neuroforamen, this can lead to irritation and pressure on the nerves. The openings in the spinal canal where the nerve roots exit are called neuroforamen. The nerve roots exit the spinal canal between the vertebrae. The intervertebral discs cushion the spine and allow it to be flexible. In between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs. Inside the dura, the spinal cord is bathed by cerebral spinal fluid that cushions and protects the fragile nerve tissue. Inside the spinal canal, a watertight sac called the dura covers the spinal cord. The spinal cord runs through the spinal canal from the brain to the lower spine. The spinal cord is a tube of nerve cells that create the motor and sensory pathways that link the brain to the body. When the vertebrae are stacked one on top of the other, these rings of bone create a hollow tube called the spinal canal. Each vertebra is comprised of a ring of bone that encases and protects the spinal cord. The spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae that stack on top of one another.


Welcome to Rocky Mountain Therapy Services guide to spinal cord stimulators.Ī spinal cord stimulator, also called a dorsal column stimulator, is an implanted electronic device used to help treat chronic pain. Physical Therapy in our clinic for Pain Care
