Spinal Cord Stimulation

What is spinal cord stimulation?

A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a small implanted device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord through thin leads placed in the epidural space. The stimulation interrupts pain signals before they reach the brain. Modern systems from manufacturers such as Nevro, Abbott, and Boston Scientific offer therapies that most patients don't feel at all — no tingling required — and are adjusted wirelessly from a handheld controller.

Who is a candidate?

SCS is intended for chronic pain that has persisted despite injections, medications, and therapy. Well-established indications include persistent pain after spine surgery, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), chronic back and leg pain in patients who aren't surgical candidates, and painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Related neuromodulation options — dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation for focal pain such as CRPS of a foot or knee, and peripheral nerve stimulation for single-nerve pain — let Dr. Eaddy match the technology to the precise pain pattern.

How does the trial work?

The defining advantage of SCS is that you test it before anything is implanted. During a brief outpatient procedure, temporary leads are placed through a needle under X-ray guidance and connected to an external battery you wear for about a week. You live your normal life and judge the result yourself. If your pain improves by at least half — and most trial patients know clearly one way or the other — you can proceed to the permanent implant. If not, the leads are simply removed and nothing is left behind.

What is the permanent implant and recovery like?

The permanent system is placed during an outpatient procedure: the leads are anchored and connected to a small battery implanted under the skin, typically above the beltline. Most patients resume light activity within days and full activity after several weeks of avoiding bending, lifting, and twisting while the leads heal in place. The system is adjustable for life, many batteries recharge through the skin, and the therapy is reversible — the device can be turned off or removed if your needs change.