How it works
How spinal cord stimulation works
A spinal cord stimulator is a small device that sends mild electrical pulses to the nerves of the spinal cord. These pulses interfere with pain signals before the brain notices them, and many people feel a tingling sensation in place of the pain.
SCS changes how pain signals are sensed and may help ease pain. The practice most often uses Boston Scientific systems, and also uses Nevro and Abbott systems.
Who may benefit
Who may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation
SCS may be considered for long-term pain in the back, legs or arms, including pain linked to:
- Post-laminectomy syndrome (failed back surgery syndrome)
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy, including painful diabetic neuropathy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nervous system conditions, arthritis, spinal stenosis or injury
SCS may be an option if you have long-term pain that has not improved with other treatments or surgery. You will first have a trial to see how well it works for you. Your provider will review your history, your pain and your past treatments to decide whether you may be a candidate. Because SCS may reduce the need for pain medicine for some people, it may be discussed along with medication management.
Certain spinal cord stimulation systems are FDA-approved to treat painful diabetic neuropathy in the legs and feet when other treatments have not given enough relief.
What to expect
From evaluation to trial: what to expect
You first try the stimulation during a trial to see whether it helps.
Evaluation
You will meet with your provider to review your history and past treatments. Tell the team about your medicines and allergies and ask how to prepare, including what you need to arrange for the day of the trial.
Trial placement
The trial is an outpatient procedure. A physician places a hollow needle into the space between the bone and the spinal cord, then guides thin electrical wires into place. The wires connect to a generator that stays outside your body.
Trial at home
You go home the same day with written instructions and the trial stimulator, so you can see how your pain changes in daily life. Plan some time to rest while your body adjusts.
Next steps
If the trial helps, your provider will talk with you about next steps. You may need a follow-up visit so the team can check how you are doing and adjust the stimulator. Keep all follow-up visits.
Benefits and limitations
How long the effect may last
How long SCS helps depends on the person. Some people may have relief for several years or longer with proper care and follow-up, but it varies. The settings may need to be adjusted over time. Your provider will review what to expect for your situation.
Risks and side effects
Risks and side effects of spinal cord stimulation
Risks of SCS include discomfort or soreness at the incision, infection, bleeding and a lead or device that moves or stops working. It may need adjustments or a repeat procedure.
Please talk with your provider about the risks that apply to you before you decide.
Common questions
Questions about spinal cord stimulation
Your provider can talk through your own plan at your visit.
What is spinal cord stimulation and how does it work?
Spinal cord stimulation uses a small device placed near the spinal cord to send mild electrical pulses. The pulses interfere with pain signals before the brain notices them, and some people feel a tingling instead of pain.
Which spinal cord stimulator systems do you use?
The practice most often uses Boston Scientific systems, and also uses Nevro and Abbott systems. Your provider will talk with you about which system may fit your needs.
Who may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation?
People with long-term pain that has not responded to other treatments or surgery may be candidates. Every patient has a trial first to see whether the device helps. Your provider will decide with you after a full review.
How long does the procedure take, and is it painful?
Your team can tell you how long to plan for the trial. The trial is an outpatient procedure. Your provider will discuss sedation options for your procedure at your visit. You may have soreness where the wires are placed.
What is recovery like, and when can I drive or go back to work?
You go home the same day with written instructions and rest while your body adjusts. A follow-up visit is used to check how you are doing and adjust the device. Your team will tell you when you can drive and return to work.
How long might the effect last?
Some people may have relief for several years or longer, but it varies by person and depends on proper care and follow-up. The settings may need to be adjusted over time. Your provider will review what to expect.
Related care
Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. This page shares general information. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with a qualified clinician.