How Does Neuromodulation Work?

Neuromodulation delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, disrupting pain signals before they can be perceived by the brain.

This therapy is commonly used to relieve pain caused by:

Degenerative disc disease
Post-surgical pain (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome)
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Post-shingles nerve pain
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Neuromodulation has been used for over 50 years, and modern advancements allow for customized, patient-specific treatments to maximize effectiveness.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Neuromodulation?

You may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation if:

You suffer from chronic pain that has not responded to conservative treatments
You want to avoid major surgery
You experience nerve-related pain or have failed back surgery syndrome

At OPS Surgery Center, our specialists will evaluate your condition, discuss risks and benefits, and determine if neuromodulation is right for you.

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Am I a good candidate for neuromodulation?

To determine if you’re a good candidate, the OPS Surgery Center team of spine and pain management specialists will meet with you, discuss treatment risks, benefits and alternatives. If you don’t want surgery or have tried and failed conservative measures, we may recommend neuromodulation for you. This is a two step process where you get to try the therapy before getting the final procedure. There are several types of neuromodulation systems available that might be effective in your pain relief.

Trial: During a trial, a temporary lead (thin wire) is placed using a needle into the epidural space and connected to an external device to see if neuromodulation works for you. The trial lasts between 3 - 10 days, during which time you and your doctor will assess the effectiveness of treatment. If you get significant relief of pain (50-100% reduction) and/or significant improvement in your function, and/or a 50% or greater reduction in narcotic pain medicine this is a successful trial, you are a good candidate for neurostimulation, and the temporary leads will be removed.

It is believed that electrical pulses prevent pain signals from being received by the brain. If the patient and physician determine that the amount of pain relief is acceptable, the system may be permanently implanted. At the end of the trial implantation, the leads are removed.

Permanent: Permanent placement of a neuromodulation device would be scheduled if the trial is successful. During the permanent placement of the neuromodulation device, a small incision is made and the battery and the leads are placed under the skin, very similar to a pacemaker procedure. Stimulation does not work for everyone and if you don’t get relief during the trial you will not be offered the permanent implant as a therapy. It is the one area of medicine where you get to try the therapy and see if it is successful before having the permanent procedure.

Success Rate & Long-Term Effectiveness

Neuromodulation has a high success rate because:

Only patients who respond positively during the trial proceed to permanent implantation.
The device can be customized to provide optimal relief.

If the trial does not provide significant pain relief, the permanent implant is not recommended.

Potential Risks and Complications

While neuromodulation is a safe and well-established procedure, some potential risks include:

Bleeding or infection at the implant site
Temporary discomfort at the incision site
Hardware failure or loss of effectiveness over time
Rare cases of nerve injury, headaches, or skin erosion

At OPS Surgery Center, we minimize risks by performing neuromodulation in a sterile environment with image-guided precision, led by board-certified specialists.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Immediately After the Procedure

Spinal cord stimulation is an outpatient procedure—patients typically go home the same day.
Mild discomfort at the incision site may last for 3 to 7 days.
Your doctor will prescribe pain medications and recommend ice therapy to reduce swelling.

Aftercare Guidelines

Rest for a few days to promote safe healing.
Gentle walking is encouraged, but avoid intense activity and heavy lifting.
Keep incision sites clean and dry—avoid baths for three days (sponge baths are allowed).
Attend a follow-up appointment two weeks after the procedure for monitoring and adjustments.

Once you have fully healed and experienced pain relief, you can resume your normal activities.