Spinal Cord Stimulation Specialist

If you have nerve damage in your spine or chronic pain, you might benefit from spinal cord stimulation. Sunil Thomas, MD, a double board-certified interventional pain management and physical medicine specialist, offers spinal cord stimulation at Evolution Pain and Spine in League City and Lake Jackson, Texas. You don’t have to live with back or nerve pain, call Evolution Pain and Spine or schedule a consultation online today.

Spinal Cord Stimulation Q&A

Spinal cord stimulation is an innovative neuromodulation treatment to reduce or eliminate chronic pain.

The therapy involves an implantable device with an electrode that delivers a mild electrical current to your spine. The current disrupts pain signals before they can travel to your brain.

Spinal cord stimulation provides significant relief, which allows patients to get physical therapy and recover. It can help you avoid surgery and restore your mobility and quality of life.

Dr. Thomas at Evolution Pain and Spine might recommend spinal cord stimulation if you have:

  • Neuropathy
  • Failed back surgery
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Chronic back or joint pain that’s affecting your mental health

Spinal cord stimulation can often provide relief when other treatments have failed. Additionally, if a nerve block temporarily relieved your pain, spinal cord stimulation offers long-lasting results.

There are two phases of spinal cord stimulator implantation. The first phase is a trial, and the second is permanent implantation.

Both phases are completed with minimally invasive surgical procedures. During phase one, Dr. Thomas provides a local anesthetic as well as sedation and uses fluoroscopy to guide a thin, hollow instrument into your spine.

He then slides the electrode through the instrument and into the epidural space. He attaches the electrode to a power generator that you wear in a pouch attached to your belt or around your neck.

Phase one lasts for around a week and allows Dr. Thomas to see that the spinal cord stimulator relieves your pain and will work with a vendor to adjust the settings as needed.

Then, in phase two, the leads are permanently placed in the epidural space. While you have local or regional anesthesia, the power generator is implanted in your lower back and creates a narrow tunnel to attach the electrode in your spine to the power source.

Dr. Thomas provides comprehensive exams and tests to identify the best method to relieve your pain. He reviews your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms and learns about any other treatments you’ve tried in the past.

If you’re interested in spinal cord stimulation, Dr. Thomas can answer your questions and explain the treatment in more detail.

Call Evolution Pain and Spine or make an appointment online today to find out how spinal cord stimulation can relieve your pain.