Not every spine condition requires major surgery. Dr. Cho always explores the full range of options before recommending a procedure — because the best surgery is often the one you don’t need. When non-surgical treatment is appropriate, he works with physical therapists, pain specialists, and your primary care physician to coordinate comprehensive care.
The process begins with a trial period — a temporary stimulator is placed to evaluate whether the device provides meaningful pain relief, typically defined as a 50% or greater reduction. If the trial is successful, a permanent device is implanted in a short overnight or outpatient procedure. Settings can be adjusted wirelessly at any time.
A device implanted near the spinal cord that delivers mild electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. An effective option for chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
Patients appreciate that Dr. Cho doesn’t lead with surgery. His philosophy: exhaust conservative options first, and be transparent when surgery is — or isn’t — the right answer.
