Methods and systems for implanting a neuromodulation system at a surgically open spinal treatment site

A method for treating pain generated by a patient's spinal column in a combined procedure using vertebral stabilization and neuromodulation stimulation, comprising:

• identifying two or more targeted vertebral levels for vertebral stabilization;
• identifying one or more targeted spinal levels for neuromodulation stimulation, wherein the one or more targeted spinal levels comprise at least one targeted dorsal root ganglion;
• creating an open access into a resulting spinal treatment site and providing direct physical and visual access to the at least one targeted dorsal root ganglion;
• stabilizing the identified vertebral levels;
• and
• placing, using the direct physical and visual access, a neuromodulation system comprising:
• an implantable pulse generator, at least one electrical lead in operative electrical communication with the implantable pulse generator that is routed from the implantable pulse generator to the at least one dorsal root ganglion, and at least one electrode disposed at a distal end of the at least one electrical lead,
• wherein the at least one electrode is placed, using the direct physical and visual access, in direct contact with each of the at least one dorsal root ganglion at each of the one or more target spinal levels;
• and closing the open access,
• wherein the stabilizing of the identified vertebral levels comprises securing the identified vertebral levels with two bilaterally spaced apart fixation rods, wherein each fixation rod is secured to vertebral bone with two or more pedicle screws.