Procedure

Neurostimulation.

For pain that has not responded to other treatment — and you find out whether it works for you before anything permanent is implanted.

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What it is

Neurostimulation places a small lead near the spinal cord or alongside a specific peripheral nerve and delivers mild electrical stimulation that changes how pain signals are processed before they reach the brain.

It is not a first-line treatment, and it is not offered speculatively. It is for pain that has persisted despite injections, medication and, often, surgery — persistent leg or back pain after spine surgery, painful diabetic neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, focal neuropathic pain.

The critical feature is the trial. Before any permanent system is implanted, a temporary lead is placed through a needle and connected to an external device you wear for several days at home, going about your normal life. You find out how much your pain actually changes. Only if the trial gives meaningful relief is a permanent system considered — so nobody ends up with an implant that was never going to help them.

Candidates

Who this is for

  • Persistent leg or back pain after spine surgery
  • Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Focal neuropathic pain from a specific peripheral nerve
  • Patients who have exhausted injections and medication

How it works

The appointment, step by step.

  1. 01

    Assessment

    A careful review of what has already been tried and whether your pain pattern is one that responds to stimulation. Psychological evaluation is standard before implantation and is a requirement of most insurers.

  2. 02

    The trial

    A temporary lead placed through a needle under X-ray guidance, connected to an external generator. You go home and use it for several days, tracking your pain.

  3. 03

    Deciding

    A meaningful reduction in pain during the trial — typically at least half — is what justifies proceeding. If the trial does not deliver that, the lead is removed and we look elsewhere.

  4. 04

    Permanent implant

    If the trial succeeded, leads and a small generator are implanted, usually as a day procedure. The system is programmed and adjusted over the following weeks.

Questions about this procedure

What if the trial does not help?
The temporary lead is simply removed and nothing permanent is implanted. That is exactly what the trial is for.
Can I have an MRI afterwards?
Most current systems are MRI-conditional, meaning scans can be done under specified conditions. We will go through what your particular device allows.
Will I feel a tingling sensation constantly?
It depends on the system. Older systems produced a noticeable tingling in place of the pain; several modern waveforms provide relief without any sensation at all. We will discuss which suits you.
Is it reversible?
Yes. The system can be turned off or removed. It does not involve cutting or destroying nerve tissue.

Eliminate pain and reclaim your life.

Request an appointment with Dr. Loch, or call the office at (904) 750-3787. Most patients are seen within a week.

Request an appointment