Science

How a Smartphone-Controlled Device Revolutionized a Golfer's Return to the Game

2025-07-03

Author: John Tan

From Struggles to Swings: The Inspiring Journey of Robert Knorr

Meet Robert Knorr, a passionate golfer whose love for the game was nearly snuffed out by debilitating nerve pain. Last year, neuropathy made even walking a challenge, forcing the 69-year-old retiree from Naperville, Ill., to rely on a cane—and sometimes even a wheelchair.

But a groundbreaking solution turned his life around. Thanks to a state-of-the-art spinal cord stimulator, now easily controlled via a smartphone app, Knorr has swapped his cane for golf clubs!

Meet the Game-Changer: The Smart Spinal Cord Stimulator

Knorr's device, about the size of an AirPods case, was implanted in his back and works by sending electrical signals to the spinal cord to interfere with pain messages before they reach the brain. "All I do is turn it on, hit 'connect,' and suddenly I’m in control of my pain," Knorr explained, joyfully recalling how he can adjust the level of stimulation with ease.

As Dr. Joshua Pan, a pain management specialist at the University of Chicago, puts it, this technology has been a game-changer. With new patterns of stimulation and features like closed-loop simulation, these devices adapt constantly, ensuring a personalized pain relief experience.

Why Ditching Opioids for Technology Matters

Traditionally, patients have had to rely on opioid medications, which can lead to fogginess and dependence. With innovations in spinal cord stimulation, patients like Knorr are finding less invasive and more effective alternatives. Dr. Pan advocates for the use of these devices over medications that come with a slew of side effects.

Recent FDA approvals now extend the use of stimulators to treat a variety of ailments beyond just chronic nerve pain, encompassing conditions like Parkinson's tremors and spinal injuries. "The potential for spinal cord stimulation is just starting to be unveiled, and we’re on the brink of something extraordinary!" noted Pan.

Back on the Green: Knorr's New Adventures Await

After trialing his device in January, Knorr went for the permanent implantation, and the results have been life-altering. He’s back on the golf course, swinging clubs and even planning a family hiking trip to Canada—something that seemed impossible just a year ago. "Technology saved me! I'm back doing everything I ever wanted to," he exclaimed.

Robert Knorr's journey is a powerful testament to the intersection of technology and medicine. For anyone battling chronic pain, the future looks brighter than ever!