Spinal Cord Stimulation in Houston, TX

There are multiple types of spinal cord stimulators, all of which work by being placed under the skin between the vertebrae and spinal cord to be connected to the spinal cord through electrodes. These electrodes are controlled outside of the body with a remote control to be used by the patient to send electrical impulses to the spinal cord when sensations of pain are being experienced, which will interrupt that pain by replacing them with sensations of light tingling. Spinal cord stimulators are typically used to manage or treat various types of chronic pain without requiring the use of a more invasive surgical procedure or risk of dependence on prescription pain medications. They are most frequently used following unsuccessful nonsurgical pain treatments that have failed to provide enough relief of the pain experienced by the patient.

The complete spinal cord stimulator procedure is considered permanent, although it can be removed if the patient does not find the treatment sufficient for their pain management. Implantation of the device requires a surgical procedure to permanently attach the spinal cord stimulator beneath the skin, with the intention of the spinal cord stimulator being effective for treatment and potentially remaining in place for the rest of the patient’s life if they are happy with the relief it provides. However, there is a trial option for the treatment that is typically recommended for patients to try out the spinal cord stimulator before committing to having it permanently implanted. This trial version allows patients to experience the neurostimulator and see if it is an effective option for managing their pain before implanting the permanent version. The trial version will typically last around 10 days to allow the patient to get a feel for whether this course of treatment will work for them.

While the spinal cord stimulator may not be the most effective course of treatment for some patients, there are quite a few patients who find the treatment to be incredibly effective, to the point where they are able to return to living their lives entirely normally again, without suffering from immense pain. The trial version of the spinal cord stimulator is a great way to determine if it will be a good long-term solution for a patient, helping to increase the success rate of the treatment once it is performed on patients. The average success rate for the treatment is around half of the patients experiencing more than 50% improvement in their pain relief, but it is important to note that the success rate is also influenced by the condition that is being treated, as well as the specific type of device that is being implanted. The efficacy of the device may also reduce a bit as time passes, which is why it remains an option to have it removed if the patient is no longer experiencing sufficient pain relief from the spinal cord stimulator.

The average out-of-pocket cost of a spinal cord stimulator in Texas is around $22,000, but the cost can really vary anywhere from $14,000 to $60,000 depending on the type of spinal cord stimulator that is being implanted and the prices determined by the surgeon from which you receive the procedure. The two commonly used types of spinal cord stimulators include the Non-Rechargeable Neurostimulator Implantation, which is on the lower end cost-wise, averaging between $14,000 to $39,000, and the Rechargeable Neurostimulator Implantation will typically cost between $22,000 and $60,000. The trial version of the treatment will likely end up costing anywhere from $4,500 to $12,400. Most major health insurance providers are able to provide at least partial coverage for a spinal cord stimulator implantation procedure, so it is always recommended that patients familiarize themselves with their heath insurance plans to see if they can avoid having to pay for the entire procedure out-of-pocket.

If you have persistent pain that has not responded to prior treatments, spinal cord stimulation may be an option for you. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 1140 Business Center Dr, Suite 110, Houston TX 77043. We serve patients from Houston TX, Hedwig Village TX, Meadows Place TX, Missouri City TX, Hunters Creek Village TX, Spring Valley Village TX, and surrounding areas.