A spinal cord stimulator, known as an SCS, is a medical device used to manage chronic pain in cases where traditional treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or surgery have not provided sufficient relief. An SCS is a small device (generator) that gets implanted under the skin of your lower back, along with thin wires (electrodes) that are carefully threaded along your spinal column. There are various versions of this device including conventional implantable pulse generator (IPG), rechargeable IPG, and radiofrequency stimulator.

Each device generates electrical impulses that target the nerves in your spinal cord. These signals interfere with pain messages that are traveling from the spinal cord to the brain, essentially masking pain sensations with a more tolerable tingling feeling. An SCS can significantly reduce or eliminate pain in the targeted areas. This device is often recommended for those with chronic pain conditions, such as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathy, and arachnoiditis.

A spinal cord stimulator works by sending tiny electrical pulses to your spinal cord. When you experience chronic pain, your nerves send signals to your brain, initiating a pain response. However, the SCS gets in the way, interrupting those pain signals. Instead of pain, you will feel a tingling sensation. Newer SCS devices can also offer stimulation that does not produce any sensation at all.

What makes it even better is that you’re the one in control. With a remote, you can adjust the SCS settings to find the perfect level of relief. To see if it’s right for you, you’ll have a trial run first. If the SCS is effective during the trial, the specialist will help you make this device a more permanent part of your life to help you conquer chronic pain and regain your strength.

Spinal cord stimulation is a versatile tool that can address various conditions and be a lifeline for those seeking relief. These conditions include:

• Chronic back pain – When traditional treatments aren’t doing the job, SCS can be the solution you’ve been searching for to deal with persistent back pain.

• Leg pain – Conditions like sciatica, which causes shooting pain down the leg, can be managed with SCS.

• Arachnoiditis – SCS is a game-changer for people with this condition, which is characterized by the painful inflammation of the membrane that covers the spinal cord and brain.

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – This condition, known for its intense pain, swelling, and changes in skin color, can be managed effectively with SCS.

• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) – If you continue to experience pain after back surgery, SCS can offer much-needed relief.

• Peripheral neuropathy – SCS can address nerve pain or numbness in the hands and feet.

Before getting a permanent SCS device, you’ll have a trial run. By using a special type of X-ray known as fluoroscopy, a specialist will insert the electrodes in the epidural space of the spine. Then, the electrodes are attached to an external generator. The trial phase usually lasts about a week and will allow you and the doctor to evaluate if this method is right for you. If the trial proves successful, meaning you experience a 50% or greater reduction in pain, a permanent SCS device will be implanted. During this second surgery, the generator will be positioned under your skin, and the electrodes will be placed precisely along your spinal column.

When you experience pain, you can activate the SCS, which will send mild electrical pulses to your spinal cord. These pulses are highly effective at blocking pain signals to make you feel relief instead of pain. The electrical pulses essentially “drown out” the pain messages your body is sending to your brain. So, you experience a soothing or tingling sensation instead of discomfort. The beauty of SCS is that it’s a personalized approach – you and the specialist will fine-tune the settings to provide the highest level of pain relief possible.

The experts at Mountain View Headache & Spine Institute are here to help you get closer to a pain-free life. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Scottsdale AZ, Glendale AZ, Tempe AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, and BEYOND!