When people hear about spinal cord stimulators, they often picture the medical devices used to treat chronic pain. These devices can be non-invasive or implanted, and are often a great alternative to other pain treatments, such as opioids. Spinal stimulators are most often used to treat back pain, diabetes-related neuropathy and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Spinal cord stimulation, also known as neuromodulation, uses a controlled electrical current to stimulate certain nerves in your spinal cord. These currents can keep pain signals from reaching your brain. It is most successful when used to treat severe or chronic pain, and most often is used in the adult population.

However, there is a specific type of spinal cord stimulation, non-invasive spinal electrical stimulation (NISE-STIM), that has been found to be incredibly effective in pediatric populations, particularly for children diagnosed with spina bifida. 

NISE-STIM has been proven beneficial in children ages 3 months to 18 years. This type of muscle stimulator works to stimulate muscle movement, rather than combat pain. In this treatment, the electrodes are placed on the spinal cord and other parts of the body, encouraging the muscles to contract. These devices can be used at home, and the child is able to sit, play, watch tv or stand during treatment.

Are you familiar with NISE Spinal Stim? What was your experience like?