- Neuromodulation is becoming a mainstream alternative to opioid painkillers.
- It involves surgically-placed spinal stimulators and implants that send out electric waves that soothe nerve pain (legs, back).
- Americans bought 60,000 spinal stimulators last year ($1.8 billion).
- Recipients report being able to walk, hike and play sports after years of constant, debilitating pain.
- While first-generation (2010) devices caused constant tingling, today’s stimulators (ie Abbot Labs’ DRG device) effectively target pain areas.
- While doctors see more potential uses (migraines, neck pains), stimulators high price tag ($30K) will limit access.
