During its insertion, doctors feed an electrode up through the space in the spinal cord to the base of the neck. They then connect the electrode to a battery and receiver, or pulse generator, that is implanted underneath the skin in the abdomen. The patients use a hand held remote control device to trigger the electrical impulse when they need to relieve pain. Dr. Rosenthal says what makes this technique especially helpful is that it does not just mask the pain. The pain results when there is a lack of blood flow, and this increases the blood flow.
Doctors also use the same device to relieve severe back problems and neurological conditions.
University of Michigan researchers say there is an upcoming national clinical trial that will study the effects of spinal cord stimulation. The stimulator is currently approved for treatment of back pain. It is awaiting approval for angina relief. Walt Disney Internet Group, ABC inc.