Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has long been used to manage chronic pain, but new research is uncovering how neuron shape and structure influence its effects—especially in sub-perception (paresthesia-free) therapy.
A recent study by at NeuroStim Insight explored how low-intensity SCS affects spinal cord neurons, particularly their axons and dendrites. Unlike simplified models, this research considered realistic neuron morphologies, revealing that dendrites respond differently to external electric fields due to their complex branching and orientation. This variation in polarisation could impact synaptic activity and overall neuron excitability, making dendrites a critical target in optimising SCS.
Professor Marc Russo emphasises that this marks a shift in neuromodulation:
"We are entered a new era. An era of realistic morphology of the neuronal unit - what is actually there not what a simplified model finds it convenient to calculate. And what do we find? We find that axons count and that dendrites count more. Activation of the dendrite gives us the opportunity of deeper hyper/depolarization. I feel we are at the second coming of Neuromodulation. When we harness what these new models are telling us, I think the results will be profound."
-Professor Marc Russo-
By refining SCS protocols based on these findings, future therapies could be more precise and effective—delivering pain relief without unwanted sensations. This breakthrough could redefine the way spinal cord stimulation is used in chronic pain management.
