New technology in pain management is helping eliminate opioid use

Millions of people around the country struggle with chronic back and leg pain on a daily basis, with many relying on narcotics to stop that pain.

But developing technology could be the key to replacing pills.

Doctor Stephen Pyles has been serving Ocala since 1985, focusing on Spinal Cord Stimulation.

This is when a small receiver is implanted through a needle in the back, along the spinal cord.

It then sends electrical impulses out to the brain masking the pain message.

Pyles said the pain is often replaced with a tingling sensation, with some patients not feeling anything at all.

The new wireless technology allows patients to control their device with a rechargeable remote all programmed from their smartphone.

After receiving this treatment, many patients say they no longer need their opioid prescriptions.

"At least in our practice, we have a lot of patients that come to us looking for neurostimulation because we've had so many successful cases and many of our patients have been able to stop their narcotics totally or certainly reduce their dosages dramatically,” Pyles said.

Pyles adds that the device can last forever.