BOARDMAN, Ohio - While neurostimulation therapy has always been a valuable tool in the management of chronic pain, doctors have never been able to perform MRI's on patients with the device; it's either had to be removed or doctors have had to choose another diagnostic tool because of the MRI's powerful magnetic fields and radio frequency energy. 

However, that's all changed with the recent approval of a MRI safe neurostimulation system.

"This technology has gone to the next step to make it more functional, more flexible to be available to more patients, who are concerned about what happens if down the road if my condition gets worse or I need a MRI for another problem. Well, now that answer has been taken care of. We can offer it to more patients," said Dr. Tracy Neuendorf with the Doctors Pain Clinic.

The MRI safe neurostimulation system was approved by the FDA this summer. In August, the Doctors Pain Clinic became the first pain center in Ohio to implant the device.

"We've now had three patients who've had it implanted and they've done very well and the technology like I say is very good.  It has worked wonderful for us.  Patients have had wonderful experiences with this kind of pain management approach," said Dr. Neuendorf.

Neurostimulation systems have been around for years. 

The new device will act just as the old devices have, stimulating the spinal cord to block pain impulses from traveling to the brain all while giving doctors and patients the flexibility to use MRI when needed.