New Technique to Stimulate the Spinal Cord Without Surgery

A research team from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has developed a new technique that uses a network of electrodes placed on the back to deliver low-intensity electrical pulses through the skin, temporarily influencing the activity of nerve cells in the spinal cord.

According to the study, published in the Journal of Neural Engineering, this innovation could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches to address pain, spasms, and paralysis, particularly in patients with spinal cord injuries or those who have suffered a stroke.

Dr. Yaseen Daher, professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and leader of the research team, explained that the ability to influence spinal cord circuits without surgical intervention represents a promising treatment option, especially for individuals who are not suitable candidates for or who wish to avoid complex surgeries associated with implanted neural stimulators.

In recent years, implanted devices have proven effective in restoring some motor abilities, such as standing and walking, in patients with severe spinal cord injuries. However, these procedures carry surgical risks and require long recovery periods.

To overcome these challenges, the researchers designed a network of eight pairs of electrodes (positive and negative) mounted on a small adhesive, body-compatible base. This setup allows electrical currents to be directed with high precision — either transversely or obliquely — toward the spinal cord in the lower thoracic region of the back.

The technique was tested on 17 healthy volunteers, with an average age of 29. The electrodes were placed over the T10 and T11 vertebrae, and the stimulation was focused on the tibialis anterior muscle, which controls ankle joint movement.

Results showed that weak electrical currents (at 40 milliamperes) reduced the excitability of nerve cells, thereby decreasing their activity and lessening nerve signals associated with pain or spasms. This effect lasted up to 30 minutes after stimulation stopped, with better results observed when the current was applied diagonally through the spinal cord.

The researchers noted that the device is easy to use and that its position can be precisely adjusted to tailor the therapeutic effect to each patient’s needs.

While the current study focused on the inhibitory effect of electrical stimulation — useful for reducing pain and spasticity — the therapeutic potential goes further: different types of electrical stimulation could activate nerve cells, potentially helping some patients regain motor function, such as improving foot muscle performance in individuals with foot drop after a stroke.