Spinal Cord Stimulator for Diabetic Neuropathy
Finally, relief from painful diabetic neuropathy.

Get relief from painful diabetic neuropathy. At ProVascularMD, we now provide spinal cord stimulator surgery to help you overcome debilitating pain caused by diabetes. Read this quick overview from our diabetic neuropathy specialists to learn more about spinal cord stimulator devices, how they work in diabetic neuropathy, and what to expect when you undergo treatment with a spinal cord stimulator. If you have any further questions about spinal cord stimulation or painful diabetic neuropathy, get in touch with us at ProVascularMD in Los Angeles or our other Southern California locations. We look forward to hearing from you.

Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Specialist
Dr. Michael Lalezarian
Dr. Michael Lalezarian is a double-board certified Vascular Interventional Radiologist specializing in neuromodulation therapy for painful diabetic neuropathy, including spinal cord stimulation. He is a committed partner in the battle against the devastating consequences of diabetes.

“I was referred to Dr. Lalezarian from my orthopedic surgeon for varicose vein treatment options. From the second I walked into the office, I was at ease and felt very welcomed from Kimberly and the staff. Upon meeting the doctor, he was so kind and fully explained my options after the initial ultrasound on both legs. I decided to go with the sclerotherapy and am so happy that I did. The procedures were quick and virtually painless but the results are life changing for me. The pain suffered for so many years and countless sleepless nights are a thing of the past.”
Vickie W, March 2022
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
When you receive a spinal cord stimulator for diabetic nephropathy, electrical stimulation is delivered to your spine by way of leads that are connected to an implantable pulse generator (an IPG) by small wires. Leads are specially designed electrical contacts that are placed near the spine. Electrical signals are sent to the leads by the IPG, which is a battery-powered micro-electronic device that can be programmed to deliver specific patterns of electrical stimulation. The IPG is controlled by an external remote control, which can be used to modify stimulation patterns, intensity, and other settings. [1]
At a glance, a spinal cord stimulator device looks quite similar to a cardiac pacemaker, but a spinal cord stimulator has special features that are designed specifically for the spine and for pain therapy.

Spinal cord stimulator device.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work in Diabetic Neuropathy?
A spinal cord stimulator works by creating an electric field near the nerves along the spine. This electric field interferes with the electrical activity of the nerves that are involved with pain signaling to the brain. When the spinal cord stimulator is active, painful sensations are replaced with a mild tingling sensation. [3]
An important advantage of a spinal cord stimulator is that it can be personalized to your pain patterns and sensory preferences. With an external remote control, the electrical energy can be targeted towards specific parts of your spine, delivered in different patterns, amplified, or reduced with the press of a few buttons. [1]
Spinal Cord Stimulator Surgery: What to Expect
Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial
The trial procedure is done with the patient lying face down. A small incision is made on the back under local anesthesia, and a hollow needle is inserted into the incision and guided towards the treatment area. An X-ray is used to visualize the anatomy and direct the placement of the needle into the epidural space of the spinal canal. The leads (wires) are passed through the hollow needle and attached to the treatment area.
After the leads are placed, the spinal cord stimulator is turned on, allowing the patient to experience the sensation of the stimulator. The surgeon will ask the patient if the stimulation is hitting the right areas where pain is frequent, and will adjust the stimulation settings until the patient agrees that the settings are sufficient.
During recovery, the patient will then receive a brief demonstration on how to adjust the stimulation settings. The patient is sent home on the same day, beginning the trial period. Around 7 days later, a decision is made on whether or not to proceed with the final spinal cord stimulator implant. If the patient does not wish to proceed with the implant, the leads will be removed at the conclusion of the trial period.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
Spinal Cord Stimulator Recovery
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Spinal Cord Stimulator for Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy Specialist in Los Angeles
[1] Kreis, P. G., Pritzlaff, S. G., Copenhaver, D. J., & Fishman, S. (2023). Spinal Cord Stimulation: Percutaneous Implantation Techniques. Oxford University Press, Incorporated.
[2] Feldman, E.L., Callaghan, B.C., Pop-Busui, R. et al. Diabetic neuropathy. Nat Rev Dis Primers 5, 41 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0092-1
[3] Sdrulla, A.D., Guan, Y. and Raja, S.N. (2018), Spinal Cord Stimulation: Clinical Efficacy and Potential Mechanisms. Pain Pract, 18: 1048-1067. https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.12692
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