Innovative Smartphone-Operated Nerve Stimulator Helps Golfer Regain Mobility

A groundbreaking development in pain management technology has enabled a golfer suffering from severe neuropathy to regain his active lifestyle. Robert Knorr, a 69-year-old retired oil executive from Naperville, Illinois, was unable to hit the golf course last year due to debilitating nerve pain in his legs and feet. His condition worsened to the point where he relied on a cane, and sometimes a wheelchair, to move around. However, thanks to a new implantable spinal cord stimulator controlled via smartphone, Knorr has experienced significant relief and has returned to the sport he loves.

The device, approved by the FDA in late 2024, is compact—about the size of an AirPods case—and contains a small wire that delivers electrical signals directly to the spinal cord. This stimulation interferes with pain signals before they reach the brain, effectively reducing neuropathic pain. Knorr's stimulator is implanted on one side of his back and can be managed through a user-friendly app on his phone. "I simply turn it on, connect, and can adjust the intensity as needed," Knorr explained.

His journey to relief began after traditional therapies, including physical therapy and medications—some with opioid effects—failed to provide adequate pain control. His neurologist referred him to Dr. Joshua Pan at the University of Chicago, who specialized in neuromodulation. The latest stimulation technology features closed-loop systems that monitor nerve activity and automatically adjust electrical signals to optimize pain relief without causing overstimulation.

This advanced technology represents a significant evolution from earlier spinal cord stimulators, which offered limited targeting. Modern stimulators can precisely target affected nerve pathways and are used to treat a variety of conditions, including Parkinsonian tremors, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries. The goal is to offer a viable alternative to opioids, which can have serious side effects such as dependence, respiratory problems, and tolerance.

Knorr's experience underscores the potential for neuromodulation devices to transform pain management. After a successful trial earlier this year, he chose to undergo a simple outpatient procedure to implant the device permanently. Now, he is back on the golf course and planning a family hiking trip to Canada, demonstrating the profound impact of this technology on quality of life.

Experts believe that nerve stimulation devices will play an increasingly important role in treating chronic pain, especially as technological advances continue. Dr. Pan emphasizes that ongoing research is expanding the possibilities, and these devices could soon help many more patients reduce reliance on opioids and other medications.

For more information on spinal cord stimulation, visit the Cleveland Clinic's resources. This innovative approach highlights the intersection of biomedical engineering and personalized pain therapy, offering hope for those suffering from nerve-related pain conditions.