Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a treatment for chronic pain that has not responded adequately to other therapies. A small device, similar to a pacemaker, is implanted near the spine and delivers low level electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses modify or interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
SCS is most commonly used for persistent pain after spine surgery, complex regional pain syndrome, and certain types of neuropathic pain. It does not cure the underlying condition but can significantly improve quality of life and reduce reliance on pain medications.
How the Procedure Works
Treatment occurs in two phases. First, a trial period allows you to test the system before committing to a permanent implant. Thin electrodes are placed near the spinal cord through a needle under fluoroscopic guidance. You wear an external controller for five to seven days to evaluate pain relief. If the trial provides meaningful improvement, the permanent system is implanted.
- A trial period lets you evaluate effectiveness before permanent implantation
- Electrode placement is reversible and adjustable
- Multiple stimulation patterns are available to optimize pain relief
- Battery replacement or recharging varies by device model
What Recovery Looks Like
The trial procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients return to normal activities within a day or two. After permanent implantation, patients typically go home the same day or the next morning. Activity is restricted for two to four weeks while the electrodes settle into position.