Spinal cord stimulation therapy

A spinal cord stimulator is a device designed to help patients who are trying to combat chronic pain. A small pulse generator sends signals to the spinal cord, masking the pain messages travelling to the brain

Chronic pain: One in three Americans and one in five Europeans suffer from chronic pain – pain that persists for months and sometimes years

1. Remote control: Sends signals to pulse generator implanted in lower back

2. Pulse generator: Sends mild electrical impulses to electrodes placed over spine

3. Paresthesia: Nerve fibres perceive pain signals as tingling sensation

4. Reduction in pain: Stimulation does not eliminate source of pain but changes way that brain perceives it – 50 to 70% pain reduction

Twin leads with 8-32 electrodes placed over spinal cord

Tingling feeling

Pain signals


Sources: American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Boston Scientific  © GRAPHIC NEWS