Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
A minimally invasive neuromodulation therapy that uses low-level electrical signals to interrupt chronic pain before it reaches the brain — with a trial period that lets patients evaluate results before any permanent commitment is made.
Who This May Help
SCS may be an option if you have been living with chronic back or leg pain, failed back or neck surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), peripheral neuropathy, or diabetic neuropathy that has not responded adequately to physical therapy, medications, injections, or prior surgery.
A consultation with our clinical team will determine whether you are a candidate.
How Spinal Cord Stimulation Works
Spinal cord stimulation works by delivering mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord through thin leads placed in the epidural space. These impulses interfere with pain signals traveling toward the brain, reducing the perception of pain without affecting sensation or motor function in most patients. The system consists of the leads and a small generator, similar in concept to a cardiac pacemaker, that powers and controls the therapy.
Before any permanent implant, patients undergo a trial period of approximately five to seven days. During the trial, temporary leads are placed and connected to an external generator that the patient wears outside the body. This allows a real-world evaluation of the therapy during normal daily activities. If the trial produces meaningful relief, the permanent procedure is then performed on an outpatient basis. Patients go home the same day.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Following permanent implant, patients are typically advised to limit bending, twisting, and heavy lifting for a short period while the leads stabilize. Most patients resume light daily activities within a few days. The stimulation settings are programmed by our clinical team and can be adjusted over time to maintain optimal results as your needs change.
Relief from spinal cord stimulation tends to build gradually, with many patients noticing continued improvement over the first several weeks and months following implant. The therapy is reversible — the system can be adjusted, reprogrammed, or removed if needed. Regular follow-up visits are an important part of long-term care with any implanted neuromodulation system.
Schedule a Consultation
A consultation is the right starting point. Our clinical team will review your history and determine the most appropriate path forward.