A spinal cord stimulator is a small device that is implanted under your skin in your low back. Thin electrodes go from the device to a specific area on your spinal cord. The electrical signals put out by the spinal cord stimulator disrupt the electrical signals to your brain that are signaling chronic pain, reducing or eliminating your pain.
Before a spinal cord stimulator is implanted, a trial period occurs. The stimulator is taped to your back with electrodes going through your skin to the specific area. Different settings may be tried. If the stimulator helps reduce or eliminate your pain during the trial period, you and your doctor can discuss implantation.