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Neuromodulation Surgery services offered in Orange County, Newport Beach, West Side Los Angeles, Marina del Rey and Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Neuromodulation is one of today's most effective techniques for easing pain when conservative treatments fail to help. Ali H. Mesiwala, MD, FAANS, performs minimally invasive neuromodulation surgery, implanting devices that prevent nerve pain, as well as pain originating from nearly every area of your body. To learn if you're a good candidate for neuromodulation surgery, book an appointment online or call the nearest office today. Dr. Mesiwala has four convenient locations in Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, and Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Neuromodulation Surgery Q & A

What is neuromodulation surgery?

Neuromodulation surgery is a minimally invasive procedure to implant a pain-relieving device. The device works by sending mild electrical impulses into nerves or muscles. When targeting a nerve, the impulses block or mask the pain signals traveling through the nerve. As a result, your pain diminishes.

When would I need neuromodulation surgery?

Dr. Mesiwala has extensive experience implanting different types of neuromodulation devices. He recommends one of the following, based on your diagnosis:

Spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation targets the nerves in any part of your spinal cord. The electrical impulses stop nerve messages from reaching your brain, which significantly reduces your pain.

Since all nerve impulses go through the spinal cord on the way to your brain, this type of neuromodulation can relieve pain caused by conditions throughout your body, including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, complex regional pain syndrome, and arthritis.

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation

A DRG is a bundle of sensory nerves located at each vertebra, lying just outside the spinal cord. The sensory nerves from a specific area of your body go through the same DRG.

When neuromodulation targets a DRG, the electrical stimulation affects all of the nerves in the ganglion, preventing their signals from reaching your brain and easing pain coming from that body area. DRG stimulation works well for pain in your hands, feet, groin, chest, and abdomen.

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)

For PNS, Dr. Mesiwala implants electrodes along individual peripheral nerves (the nerves outside the spinal cord). Rapid electrical pulses go into the nerve, creating a mild tingling sensation that replaces the nerve pain.

Peripheral nerve stimulation treats nerve pain due to an injury and conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal nerve pain, and post-amputation pain syndrome.

Muscle restorative stimulation

Restorative neuromodulation sends electrical stimulation into the muscles that stabilize your lower back (lumbar spine). The stimulation triggers muscle contractions, which strengthen the muscle and improve its function.

You activate the device twice a day for about 30 minutes. With a series of treatments, the muscle improves enough to support your spine and alleviate low back pain.

What happens during neuromodulation surgery?

Neuromodulation devices consist of lead wires, a small pulse generator, and a controller. During your procedure, Dr. Mesiwala implants the electrode-containing wires. He uses real-time imaging and a specialized needle to run the wires through the epidural space of your spine or along the nerve.

Then he implants the small generator under your skin, usually near your buttocks or abdomen, and connects the wires to the generator. He programs the intensity and frequency of the generator using a handheld device, and you carry a controller that lets you turn the device on and off.

To learn if your pain may improve with neuromodulation surgery, call Ali H. Mesiwala, MD, FAANS, or book an appointment online today.

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