Living with chronic pain can disrupt even the simplest daily routines, from getting dressed in the morning to enjoying time with loved ones. For individuals who haven’t found relief from medication, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments, spinal cord stimulation therapy offers a safe, long-term alternative to surgery.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, we specialize in non-surgical pain management in Marietta, GA, offering advanced solutions like spinal cord stimulation therapy. Our expert care team in Marietta includes board-certified pain management specialist Dr. Paul L. Mefferd, DO, and experienced physician assistant Stephanie Polsinelli Powers. Together, they work closely with patients to restore comfort, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. Schedule your consultation today to learn how spinal cord stimulation therapy could change the way you manage pain.
Let’s take a closer look at how this technology works—and who it helps most.
How Nerve Stimulation Works for Chronic Pain
Spinal cord stimulators work by delivering low-voltage electrical currents to specific regions of the spine. This spinal cord stimulation interferes with the transmission of pain signals, often replacing them with a tingling sensation that many patients find soothing. These devices are typically small, implantable, and about the size of a stopwatch, and they can be adjusted for optimal pain relief.
The therapy is grounded in the gate control theory of pain, which proposes that the spinal cord contains a neurological “gate” that either blocks or allows pain signals to pass to the brain. By delivering electrical pulses, spinal cord stimulators can “close the gate,” providing pain relief without medication.
Conditions That Benefit from Nerve Stimulators
Spinal cord stimulation therapy is a highly effective treatment option for a range of chronic pain conditions, especially when other treatments have failed. Conditions commonly treated with spinal cord stimulators include:
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Neuropathic pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Spinal pain
- Failed back surgery syndrome
For many patients, spinal cord stimulation can improve quality of life by significantly reducing the need for daily pain medication and minimizing side effects.
Long-Term Pain Relief and Quality-of-Life Improvements
Many patients report substantial improvements in daily living with spinal cord stimulation therapy. Benefits may include:
- Sustained pain relief over months or years
- Reduced reliance on pain medications, including opioids
- Improved mobility and participation in physical activity
- Better sleep and mental health
- Increased ability to work and engage in social life
Implantation is typically done through a minimally invasive procedure under local or general anesthesia. A trial period with an external device helps determine if the stimulation is effective before a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant is placed. The pulse generator is usually implanted under the skin, with thin wires running to the targeted nerves. Most patients can control their device using a remote to adjust stimulation levels as needed.
While complications are rare, your healthcare provider will thoroughly review risks and instructions for care.
Expert Pain Management Care in Marietta, GA
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, we are dedicated to helping patients throughout the greater Atlanta area achieve lasting relief through non-surgical methods. Whether you’re considering spinal cord stimulation therapy or other treatments, our experienced providers will help you explore your options.
Our team in Marietta is led by experts such as Dr. Paul L. Mefferd, DO, and Stephanie Polsinelli Powers, MPAC, who provide personalized, evidence-based care tailored to your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
Learn more about your options at our spinal cord stimulation resource center or call us at (770) 679-7000 to schedule a consultation.
Explore a Long-Term Pain Relief Option That Works
If you’re ready to move beyond medication and regain control of your life, spinal cord stimulation therapy may be the right path forward. The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists are here to help.
Book your consultation at our Marietta, GA, location and discover if a spinal cord stimulator implant is the right treatment option for your chronic pain.
