Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS)

Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) for Chronic Back Pain

Chronic pain can feel like a never-ending struggle, affecting every part of your life. Daily activities become battles, sleep is hard to find, and even moments with loved ones can be clouded by constant discomfort. Living with unrelenting pain can drain your energy, impact your mood, and make it difficult to keep up with the things and people you love.

If you've tried medications, physical therapy, or even surgery only to find limited relief, you may feel like you’re out of options. But there is hope.

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) could be the key to managing your pain and reclaiming control over your life. This minimally invasive therapy is designed to relieve chronic pain —empowering you to move, rest, and enjoy life without constant pain holding you back.

Conditions treated with spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is used to treat a range of chronic pain conditions, including:

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

A severe, often debilitating condition that causes burning, stabbing pain, usually in the limbs. CRPS can develop after an injury or surgery and is thought to be linked to abnormal nerve signaling. SCS can help reduce CRPS symptoms by calming overactive nerves and lessening pain.

Peripheral neuropathy

Damage to the peripheral nerves can cause sharp, tingling, or burning pain, often in the legs or feet. Peripheral neuropathy may be caused by diabetes, injury, or other medical conditions. SCS can alleviate the constant pain that comes with neuropathy, improving mobility and comfort.

Lower back pain and post-laminectomy syndrome

For patients with persistent pain following back surgery, sometimes referred to as failed back surgery syndrome, SCS may provide relief. By interrupting the pain signals from the lower back, SCS can offer an effective, non-opioid treatment for ongoing back pain.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulator Therapy

For those dealing with chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation provides multiple benefits that can make a meaningful difference in daily life:

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Significant pain relief: Many patients experience a notable reduction in pain, allowing them to reduce reliance on pain medications

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Enhanced quality of life: Relief from constant pain can allow you to return to activities you enjoy, improving both physical and emotional well-being

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Adjustable, personalized therapy: SCS allows you to adjust the intensity of stimulation based on your needs, providing customizable and consistent pain management

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Non-drug pain management: As a non-opioid solution, SCS is an effective option for those seeking pain relief without the risks associated with long-term medication use

How the Spinal Cord Stimulator Procedure works

Spinal cord stimulation is typically performed in two stages: a trial phase and a permanent implantation if the trial is successful.

1.Trial phase

Before committing to a permanent device, patients undergo a trial phase to see if SCS provides adequate relief. During this trial, temporary electrodes are placed near the spine, and an external stimulator delivers electrical pulses. If you experience significant pain relief, the device may be permanently implanted.

2.Permanent implantation

After a successful trial, a permanent pulse generator is implanted. This minor procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis, and recovery time is usually brief.

3.Recovery and follow-up

Patients can expect mild soreness at the implant site, which should subside within a few days. Follow-up appointments help fine-tune the device settings for optimal relief, allowing adjustments based on individual comfort and pain levels.

Risks and side effects of spinal cord stimulation

While spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive treatment, it’s important to understand the potential risks:

Despite these potential risks, spinal cord stimulation is considered a safe, reliable treatment when performed by experienced providers, offering a significant reduction in pain for many patients.