Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) are implantable devices that help manage chronic pain by sending small electrical pulses to the spine. These pulses block or change the pain signals before they reach your brain.
For patients living with pain that doesn’t respond to medication, injections, or even surgery, spinal cord stimulators can be life-changing. They offer a way to reduce pain, improve daily function, and lower the need for opioids or other long-term medications.
Dealing with hard-to-treat chronic pain relief in New Jersey? The Center for Regenerative Therapy & Pain Management offers spinal cord stimulator evaluations—schedule your consultation today.
What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Basic Definition
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a small device that’s implanted under the skin, typically near the lower back or buttock. It works by delivering mild electrical signals to the nerves in your spine that are responsible for sending pain signals to your brain.
Think of it like a pain “interrupter”—instead of letting painful messages get through, the stimulator sends its own signals to override or mask them.
How It Works
The system has two main parts:
- Leads: Thin, flexible wires placed near the spinal cord
- Generator: A small battery-powered device implanted under the skin that sends out the pulses
When the device is active, it uses neuromodulation—a process that alters nerve activity using electrical stimulation. You won’t feel pain where you used to; instead, you may feel a light tingling or buzzing sensation, or in some cases, no sensation at all. The goal is to reduce pain and restore function, not necessarily to “turn off” all feelings.
Most modern systems come with a handheld remote that lets you adjust the intensity and pattern of stimulation based on your needs throughout the day.
Who Is a Candidate for a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Ideal Candidates
You might be a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation if:
- You’ve had chronic pain for more than 3 months
- Conservative treatments like physical therapy, injections, or medication haven’t provided lasting relief
- You respond positively to a trial period, where a temporary device is tested before implantation
Doctors also look for patients who want to avoid further surgery or reduce their reliance on pain medication.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Spinal cord stimulators are commonly used to manage nerve-related pain, including:
- Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS): Persistent pain even after spinal surgery
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A painful nerve condition that can affect arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Post-surgical nerve pain: Ongoing pain after procedures like hernia repair or joint replacement
- Neuropathy: Including diabetic neuropathy or other forms of peripheral nerve damage
- Sciatica or radicular pain: Radiating pain caused by spinal nerve compression or irritation
The Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Process
What to Expect During the Trial
Before committing to a permanent spinal cord stimulator, most patients go through a trial phase. During this test period:
- Temporary leads are inserted through the skin and positioned near your spinal cord.
- An external generator is worn on a belt to control the stimulation.
- The trial typically lasts 3 to 7 days, allowing you to see if it makes a meaningful difference in your pain and day-to-day life.
The trial is minimally invasive and fully reversible. You’ll work with your doctor to adjust settings and monitor results.
Success Criteria
For the trial to be considered successful, most pain specialists look for:
- A 50% or greater reduction in pain
- Improved ability to move or function in daily activities
- A decrease in the need for pain medications
If the trial is successful, you can move forward with permanent implantation.
What Happens During Permanent Implantation?
The Procedure
Permanent implantation is a relatively simple outpatient procedure:
- It’s typically performed under sedation or local anesthesia.
- Your doctor places leads along your spine in the same location as the trial.
- A small generator is implanted under the skin, usually near the abdomen or upper buttock, depending on your anatomy and preferences.
Recovery Timeline
- Most patients are discharged the same day and rest at home.
- Light activity can resume in 1–2 weeks.
- Within 6–8 weeks, most people return to full activity with a personalized program to manage their stimulation levels.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulators
- Non-opioid chronic pain management: Offers drug-free relief for many types of nerve-related pain.
- Adjustable and reversible: The device can be turned off, adjusted, or removed if needed.
- Reduces need for medications and injections: Often lowers or eliminates dependence on pain meds.
- Programmable settings via remote control: You can change the level of stimulation to fit different activities or times of day.
- Proven long-term relief for select conditions: Especially effective for failed back surgery syndrome, CRPS, and nerve-related leg pain.
Risks and Potential Complications
Common Side Effects
- Mild discomfort at the implant site
- Temporary swelling or soreness, especially in the first few days after surgery
Rare Risks
- Infection requiring removal or antibiotics
- Device movement or malfunction, which may require repositioning
- Spinal fluid leak, though this is extremely rare
- Need for revision surgery if leads shift or the device stops working properly
Living With a Spinal Cord Stimulator
Daily Use
- You’ll use a remote control to adjust stimulation levels as needed.
- Most patients describe the stimulation as a tingling or buzzing sensation, though newer devices offer stimulation without sensation.
- You can customize programs for different activities—sitting, walking, sleeping, etc.
Activity Restrictions
- You may have temporary limits on bending, lifting, and twisting in the first few weeks.
- Some devices may not be MRI-compatible, though many newer models are. Your doctor will help you choose the right one based on your needs.
FAQs About Spinal Cord Stimulators
No, they don’t cure the source of pain—but they help control how your brain perceives it, often dramatically reducing symptoms.
You might feel the sensation of stimulation, but you typically won’t feel the physical device once healing is complete.
Some newer devices are MRI-safe under certain conditions. Always confirm with your provider which model is being used.
If there’s a malfunction, the device can be reprogrammed, repaired, or replaced. It’s fully reversible.
Yes, in most cases, spinal cord stimulators are covered by insurance, including Medicare and many private plans, when medically necessary.
Final Thoughts: Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator Right for You?
If chronic nerve pain has taken over your life, a spinal cord stimulator could be the breakthrough you need. It’s fully reversible, highly customizable, and offers long-term relief when other treatments have failed.
If you’re struggling with chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, NJ Pain Therapy offers advanced spinal cord stimulator therapy in New Jersey. Book your evaluation today.
