At Vertex Pain Physicians, we understand the challenges that chronic pain such as pain from sciatica or prior back surgery can bring to your life. One of the most transformative treatments we offer is Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), a modern therapy that has helped countless individuals manage pain when other standard treatments such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks have become less effective or ineffective.
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a minimally invasive therapy that uses a small device to deliver gentle electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These impulses help interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing the sensation of pain. With this treatment, many patients experience significant relief from chronic pain, enabling them to engage in daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal Cord Stimulation is a highly effective solution for patients suffering from various chronic pain conditions, such as:
Chronic Post-Surgical Pain Syndrome (CPSPS)
Formerly known as Failed-Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), ongoing pain after spine surgery, often due to nerve damage or scar tissue, which doesn’t improve with other treatments.
Arachnoiditis
Chronic inflammation of the spinal cord’s protective layers, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve pain, commonly caused by diabetes, that leads to tingling, numbness, or sharp pain in the hands or feet.
Post-Surgical Nerve Damage
Pain following surgeries involving the spine or extremities, where nerves become irritated or compressed.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Severe, burning nerve pain usually affecting the arms or legs after an injury, surgery, or trauma.
Ischemic Pain
Pain caused by poor blood flow to tissues, often seen in conditions like peripheral artery disease.
If you’re dealing with long-term pain that hasn’t improved with physical therapy, medications, injections, or surgery, Spinal Cord Stimulation may offer a life-changing treatment. It’s particularly helpful for those who have struggled to regain comfort and mobility through traditional methods without success.
Procedure Details
1
Initial Consultation
During your first visit, our team will evaluate your medical history, discuss your pain patterns, and review any imaging studies to determine if SCS is the right solution for you. If you are determined to be a suitable candidate for SCS, we will discuss the risks and benefits to the procedure and obtain the necessary lab tests and MRI studies prior to the SCS trial procedure.
2
Trial Period
Before we proceed with permanent implantation, we offer a trial phase where a temporary device is placed. This trial typically lasts 5–7 days, giving you the chance to evaluate how well the SCS device is working for your pain relief goals. It is a very-well tolerated office-based procedure. If you have significant pain relief, you can make the decision whether to proceed with the permanent implantation.
3
Permanent Implantation
If the trial period is successful, we move forward with a minimally invasive procedure to implant the device. The procedure involves:
- A small incision near the lower back.
- Placement of a pulse generator under your skin.
- Electrode placement along the spinal cord.
The procedure is performed with monitored anesthesia care and sedation, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout under the supervision of an anesthesiologist
4
After Permanent Implantation
Once the device is implanted, the settings will be customized to fit your specific pain relief needs in the recovery room of the surgery center. You will be provided a remote control with several programs and educated on how to adjust the settings of your pain programs to tailor your pain relief in a dynamic and real-time fashion.
Typically, you will go home the same day after the surgery is completed and you have recovered from the anesthesia. You will be provided antibiotics and recommended rest for recovery. Post-operative instructions will be provided to you prior to your discharge home from the surgery center.
Advantages of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal Cord Stimulation offers numerous benefits for managing chronic pain. Here are the key advantages:
Non-Pharmacological
It helps reduce or eliminate the need for opioid medications, avoiding dependency and the side effects of long-term drug use.
Reversible
If the therapy doesn’t meet your expectations or your condition changes, the device can be adjusted or removed without lasting effects.
Improved Mobility and Quality of Life
Many patients experience significant pain reduction, which allows them to move more freely, engage in activities they love, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Customizable Pain Relief
The device can be adjusted to precisely target areas where you experience pain, ensuring effective relief tailored to your needs.
Minimal Downtime
The procedure is minimally invasive, requiring only a small incision. Most patients recover quickly and resume daily activities within days.
This therapy is designed to provide long-term pain relief, reduce reliance on medications, and improve your day-to-day functioning.
Risks and Considerations
While Spinal Cord Stimulation is a safe and effective treatment for many patients, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, including:
- Infection or inflammation at the implant site
- Bleeding, which could require surgery to correct
- Device malfunction or electrode lead migration
- Temporary tingling sensations (paresthesia)
- Post-Dural Puncture Headaches
- Development of tolerance over time
Our team will thoroughly discuss these and other risks with you and ensure that you’re fully informed throughout the process.
If you experience fever, severe pain, signs of infection, numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, visible swelling, loss of bowel or bladder functions, call your doctor immediately as these symptoms could be signs of an infection or nerve compression.
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
Contact Vertex Pain Physicians to learn more about Spinal Cord Stimulation and find out if you’re a candidate for this life-changing treatment. Call us or schedule an appointment online, and let us help you regain control over your pain and your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spinal Cord Stimulation safe?
Yes, Spinal Cord Stimulation is generally considered safe when performed by experienced specialists, though there are some risks like infection or device issues.
What is the success rate of Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Success rates vary, but studies show that up to 75% of patients experience significant pain relief with SCS.
Can Spinal Cord Stimulation completely eliminate my pain?
SCS is designed to reduce pain significantly, but it may not completely eliminate it. The goal is to improve your ability to perform daily activities with less pain and reduced reliance on medications.
Can SCS help reduce my dependency on pain medications?
Yes, many patients experience enough pain relief to reduce or even eliminate their reliance on opioid pain medications, helping to avoid long-term side effects and dependency.
Is the spinal cord stimulator a major surgery?
No, it’s a minimally invasive procedure, typically done on an outpatient basis, involving only small incisions.
Are there activity restrictions with SCS?
After implantation, it’s important to avoid heavy lifting, high-impact sports, or twisting movements, particularly in the first few weeks. However, many normal activities can be resumed once healing is complete.
Are there age restrictions for SCS?
There are no strict age restrictions, but SCS is generally recommended for adults. Suitability depends on overall health, pain condition, and ability to undergo the procedure.
Are SCS devices MRI compatible?
While SCS devices are not technically MRI compatible, patients can safely undergo MRI studies with some planning. Some SCS devices can only undergo certain types of MRI studies. Talk to your doctor before undergoing MRI studies to ensure the device compatibility.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
