Treatments · The Woodlands & Liberty, TX

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation uses a small implanted device to change how pain signals travel to the brain. It helps people with long-term nerve pain who have not found relief with other treatments, and you can try it first before committing.

Available inThe Woodlands, TX&Liberty, TX

Overview

What is spinal cord stimulation?

A spinal cord stimulator has thin wires (leads) placed in the epidural space and a small battery placed under the skin. It sends mild electrical pulses that block or change pain signals before they reach the brain. Many modern systems cause no tingling at all.

Dr. Khoury also offers dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation for focused pain in the foot, knee, groin or chest wall, and peripheral nerve stimulation for pain from a single nerve.

Spinal Cord Stimulation is available at our offices in The Woodlands and Liberty, TX, performed by board-certified specialists who explain every step before you decide.

Request an appointment 281-868-7246

Is it right for you

Who is a candidate?

Stimulation is for chronic nerve pain that has lasted months and has not improved enough with medicine, injections or therapy.

Conditions treated

Pain after back or neck surgery
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Diabetic and other neuropathy
Chronic sciatica or radiculopathy
Chronic back and leg pain

Common symptoms

Burning or electric pain
Pain in the legs or arms
Pain that limits walking or sleep
Relying on strong pain medicine

Benefits

What are the benefits?

Stimulation is one of the few chronic pain treatments you can test drive before a permanent implant.

Try it first

A one-week trial shows how much it helps before you decide.

Less medicine

Many patients reduce or stop opioid pain medicine.

You control it

Adjust your therapy with a small remote or phone app.

Reversible

The system can be turned off or removed if needed.

Recovery

How does the process work?

The process happens in two steps: a short trial, then a permanent implant if the trial works well.

01/Trial
Test for about a week
Temporary leads are placed through a needle in a short outpatient procedure. You go home and track your pain.
02/Implant
Outpatient procedure
If the trial gave good relief, the permanent system is placed through small incisions.
03/4 to 6 weeks
Back to normal life
Avoid heavy lifting and twisting while the leads settle. Then enjoy daily life with less pain.

Safety

Is spinal cord stimulation safe?

Spinal cord stimulation has been used for decades and is FDA-approved for chronic pain. The trial lowers the risk of choosing a treatment that does not work for you. Possible risks include infection, lead movement or discomfort at the battery site. These are uncommon and can usually be fixed.

Frequently asked questions

Will I feel the stimulator?

Some settings create a mild tingling. Many newer settings have no tingling at all. You can change programs with your remote.

Can I have an MRI?

Most modern systems are MRI-compatible under certain conditions. We will choose a device that fits your needs.

How long does the battery last?

It depends on the device. Rechargeable batteries can last many years, and some systems need no recharging.

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