Spinal Cord Stimulator
A gentle solution to block pain and help you regain control of your life.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is surgically placed under your skin and will send mild electric currents to your spinal cord in order to effectively block pain signals from reaching your brain.
What is SCS?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trial is a temporary procedure to assess the effectiveness of SCS therapy. It involves placing thin wires (leads) near the spinal cord and connecting them to an external stimulator that you wear, all without actual implantation.
The trial, typically lasting about a week, helps determine if a permanent SCS implant might be beneficial for pain relief
Who is a candidate?
Approved Indications:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) (surgery that did not improve pain)
- Radicular pain syndrome or radiculopathies resulting in pain secondary to FBSS or herniated disk
- Postlaminectomy pain
- Multiple back operations
- Unsuccessful disk surgery
- Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD)/herniated disk pain refractory to conservative and surgical interventions
- Peripheral causalgia
- Epidural fibrosis
- Arachnoiditis or lumbar adhesive arachnoiditis
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), or causalgi
Spinal Cord
Stimulator Implant
1
During The Surgery
- During the surgery for the permanent implant, the generator is placed underneath the skin and the trial leads are replaced with stationary leads.
- Your surgeon will make one incision (typically along your lower abdomen or buttocks) to hold the generator.
- A fluoroscopy machine (a type of x-ray) is used to determine where the leads are placed.
- After it has all been placed the leads are connected to the generator.
2
After Surgery
- After both the trial and permanent surgery, try to limit physical activity.
- This includes exercise or any work that involves twisting, stretching, or reaching overhead.
- These actions can cause your stimulator leads to move away from the treatment area.
- You can resume slow, gentle walks a few days after surgery, but take at least two days off to rest and recover.
- As noted, lifting heavy loads can dislodge the spinal cord stimulator implant leads.
- For at least the first two weeks do not lift any heavy objects.
Personalized Treatment
Customized plans based on your unique medical history and pain
Comprehensive Care
Regular monitoring and adjustments to ensure optimal pain relief.
Improved Quality of Life
Enhanced daily function and reduced pain levels.
Spinal Cord
Stimulator Trial
1
During The Trial
- For the spinal cord stimulator trial thin wires, referred to as leads, will be placed in your spine.
- The leads deliver low-energy electrical pulses that interrupt the pain signals traveling to your brain.
- The leads will be connected to a small external battery.
- During the week long trial, the battery will be worn outside of the body.
2
After The Trial
- After the procedure, in the recovery room the temporary spinal cord stimulator will be programmed with your doctors guidance.
- You will be observed for a short time after the procedure, but will be able to go home the same day.
- This evaluation will give you an opportunity to see how the therapy can control your pain throughout the day while accomplishing different tasks.
- After a trial period of 5-7 days, you together with your provider will evaluate if a spinal cord stimulator is the right treatment option for you.
- If you decide it is, a referral will be placed for you to have the device implanted.
Preparing for Your Appointment
CONSULTATION REQUIRED
Ensure you have a referral and necessary medical records.
ARRIVAL
Arrive 20 minutes early to complete initial paperwork.
DOCUMENTATION
Bring your Photo ID, insurance card, updated medication list, and any relevant imaging reports.
Ready to Manage Your Pain?
Take control of your health with our personalized and comprehensive treatment solutions.
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