The first step in spinal cord stimulation is receiving a trial spinal cord stimulator. Your physician inserts electrodes into your spine, but the stimulator device remains outside of your body. You wear the device on a belt around your waist for about a week. If spinal cord stimulation is effective, you can schedule surgery for permanent spinal cord stimulator implantation.

During the second procedure, you’re given local anesthesia and sedation, so you don’t feel any pain. Your surgeon implants a generator underneath your skin. They use fluoroscopy to place electrodes within your spine and close the incision site.