When chronic back pain and radiating nerve pain persist despite conservative treatments, it may signal the need for a more advanced solution. For patients with nerve-related spine conditions, spinal cord stimulation has become a reliable and scientifically backed option. Let’s look at how it works and who may benefit from this innovative therapy.
Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an FDA-approved therapy that uses mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. A small device, similar to a pacemaker, is implanted near the spine. Thin wires called leads deliver targeted stimulation to the spinal cord, helping to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
This technique has proven effective for a range of conditions, including chronic low back pain, radiculopathy (sciatica), failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and peripheral neuropathy.
Who Can Benefit from Spinal Cord Stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation is typically recommended for patients who:
- Have not found relief with physical therapy, medications, or injections
- Are not good candidates for—or wish to avoid—more invasive spine surgery
- Experience ongoing nerve pain following back surgery or injury
- Struggle with conditions like CRPS or neuropathic pain
Candidates usually undergo a trial period, during which a temporary device is placed externally to determine how effective the therapy is before committing to permanent implantation.
Advantages of Spinal Cord Stimulation
According to some research studies, patients who receive spinal cord stimulation frequently report a 50 to 70% reduction in pain levels,1 which can significantly enhance their ability to engage in everyday activities and improve the overall quality of life. Additionally, many find they can reduce or discontinue opioid pain medications, lowering the risks associated with long-term drug use. The therapy is reversible and adjustable, allowing for ongoing optimization based on patient feedback.
The Procedure and What to Expect
The process begins with a trial period where temporary leads are placed near the spinal cord to test pain relief effectiveness. If successful, a permanent implant is placed under the skin, usually in the upper buttock or abdomen. The device is programmable, enabling patients and their specialists to fine-tune stimulation settings for optimal comfort and pain control.
Improving Life Beyond Pain Relief
Beyond reducing pain, spinal cord stimulation has been shown to improve sleep quality and mobility, and it may help restore normal pain-inhibition pathways in the nervous system. This holistic impact on well-being makes it a valuable component of comprehensive pain management strategies.
Book an appointment to learn more about your eligibility and explore the best treatment options.
AUTHOR: Vinay C. Belamkar, MD is the founder of Apollo Pain Center in Indianapolis with over a decade of experience exclusively in comprehensive pain care and fellowship in Interventional Pain Management, Anesthesia, and Internal Medicine, with a fellowship in spinal surgery.
