Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a state-of-the-art procedure for patients with certain chronic pain conditions—such as failed back surgery syndrome or neuropathy—that involves surgically implanting an electrical device under the lower back skin. In this study, we built an alternative, non-invasive system to stimulate the spinal cord using magnetic fields only. Our work represents an important step toward safer, more precise SCS and future chronic pain treatments that could offer relief with less potential risk.
Q: What methods or approach did you use?
First, we developed custom hardware: a new high-frequency magnetic stimulation system that delivers carefully shaped electrical pulses, allowing precise control over the strength and timing of the magnetic fields. We also designed a specialized flat, figure-8-shaped “ribbon” coil to focus the stimulation on the exact regions of the spinal cord where it was needed, while minimizing unwanted effects elsewhere.
Additionally, we used detailed computer models to predict how the magnetic and electric fields would spread through spinal tissues and optimize the targeting of spinal nerve fibers. Lastly, we validated the system through bench measurements and preclinical testing to confirm that the stimulation behaved as predicted and activated spinal pathways safely and reproducibly.
Q: What did you find?
We found that focused, non-invasive spinal cord stimulation is technically feasible and efficient. The newly developed system reliably generated strong, well-controlled magnetic fields while keeping electrical losses and heating low. The custom coil focused stimulation on specific spinal cord fiber pathways, improving selectivity compared to conventional coils. Further, our computer simulations and experimental measurements closely matched, confirming that the system operated as expected and that targeting could be predicted accurately.
Our approach demonstrated effective activation of spinal pathways without surgery or implants, supporting its safety and translational potential.
Q: What are the implications?
The implications are significant for both patients and clinical care. This technology could offer individuals with chronic pain a new treatment option to modulate spinal cord activity without the inconvenience or risks associated with surgery or implants. By avoiding implanted hardware and reducing heating and tissue stress, our novel approach may also be safer and easier to deploy in outpatient or clinical settings. Moreover, the ability to selectively target specific spinal nerve fibers opens the door to personalized treatments—potentially improving effectiveness while reducing side effects.
Overall, our work points toward a future in which spinal cord neuromodulation is precise, adjustable and non-invasive, broadening who can benefit from these therapies and how early they can be applied.
Q: What are the next steps?
The next steps focus on moving this technology from the lab toward real-world clinical use. This includes expanding preclinical studies to evaluate effectiveness across different stimulation settings, spinal targets and pain models, while continuing to assess safety, heating and long-term effects in larger preclinical models.
We will also work on refining coil designs and stimulation parameters to better tailor treatments for individual anatomy and specific pain conditions. Additionally, combining the system with imaging (such as MRI or PET), will help us understand how spinal circuits respond and guide more precise, image-driven stimulation. The ultimate goal is early clinical translation through first-in-human feasibility studies, establishing tolerability, dosing ranges, stimulation sequences and early signals of pain relief.
Beyond chronic pain, we also plan to explore applications in other spinal related conditions, including sensory and motor dysfunction. Together, we hope to turn this promising magnetic technology into clinically viable, scalable therapy that can benefit patients in everyday medical practice.
