Lumbar Stimulator's are an implanted device that is placed under the skin.  It can either be controlled similarly to the Dorsal Column Stimulator with a unit that you and the doctor set the limits of which then gives you control over the pulse width and intensity of the stimulation that covers the pain signal.  The other way this type of stimulator can be controlled is by using a different device that is set up slightly different.  The implanted portion is a receiver instead of a battery ran generator if you will.  The controlling device is obviously going to be slightly different as well.

Because the unit receives radio signals there is a transmitter that is placed on a belt or the waist band of your pants.  The transmitter gets a small antenna attached to it with about a 3" circle on the end.  This part of the antenna will be placed over the receiver and held in place by a double sided sticky disc. The signal is then sent from the transmitter through the antenna to the implanted receiver creating the stimulation effect that you would receive from the generator type of implant.

The bonus with using the receiver is that it does not have to be replaced unless you end up with broken wires that carry the signal to the area which needs pain relief.  With the generator type there will be a required surgery to replace the battery ran generator approximately every 5 or more years.  I have implanted and used all three devices, the Dorsal Column Stimulator, Lumbar Stimulator and the medication pump.  I can say nothing negative about any of the devices and am very grateful that they were available to help with my pain.  Just because we allow these items to be placed inside our bodies does not mean that we are stuck with them for the rest of our lives.  Things will change in time and you may find that these devices are no longer needed.