Chronic back pain can significantly impact daily life, limiting mobility and reducing overall quality of life. When traditional treatments fail, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers a promising alternative. This minimally invasive therapy helps manage pain by disrupting nerve signals before they reach the brain, providing relief for individuals suffering from persistent discomfort.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal Cord Stimulation is a widely used treatment for chronic pain in the back, legs, and arms. It involves the application of mild electric currents to block nerve impulses that transmit pain signals to the brain. SCS is often recommended for patients who continue to experience pain after surgery or who require long-term pain management solutions.

How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Work?

SCS uses a small, implantable pulse generator that emits mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. The system includes:

• A Pulse Generator: This implantable device produces the electrical pulses that block pain signals.
• Leads with Electrodes: These leads, containing 4 to 16 electrodes, deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord.
• Extension Wire: This wire connects the leads to the pulse generator.
• Hand-Held Remote Control: Patients can use a remote to turn the stimulator on or off and adjust the intensity of pulses.

The Spinal Cord Stimulation Procedure

The implantation of an SCS device is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia. A small incision is made near the spine, and the electrodes are placed along the spinal cord. The pulse generator is implanted under the skin, typically in the lower back or upper buttock.

Once activated via the remote control, the device sends mild electrical pulses to the electrodes, creating a tingling sensation that replaces pain signals. This significantly reduces discomfort, allowing patients to regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Who Can Benefit from Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Candidates for SCS typically undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including a pain history assessment, to determine if the treatment aligns with their pain management goals. It is often recommended for individuals who:

• Experience chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments
• Have undergone back surgery without achieving pain relief
• Suffer from nerve-related pain conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Advantages of Spinal Cord Stimulation

• Minimally Invasive: The procedure requires only small incisions and can be performed on an outpatient basis.
• Customizable Pain Relief: Patients can adjust the stimulation levels according to their comfort and pain levels.
• Reduced Medication Dependence: SCS may help reduce the need for pain medications, including opioids.
• Long-Term Pain Management: Many patients experience sustained pain relief, improving their ability to perform daily activities.

Success of Spinal Cord Stimulation: What the Data Says

While randomized clinical trials on SCS efficacy are limited, research suggests that the timing of implantation significantly affects success rates. Studies indicate:

• 85% success rate when implantation occurs within 2 years of symptom onset
• 50% success rate when implantation is performed after an average wait time of 5.45 years
• 9% success rate if implantation is delayed for more than 20 years

Before permanent implantation, patients undergo a trial period to evaluate how well SCS controls their pain. If they experience significant relief, a permanent device may be implanted for long-term pain management.

Take Control of Your Chronic Pain

If you suffer from chronic back, leg, or arm pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, Spinal Cord Stimulation may be the solution you need. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Maxim Moradian and the team at California Sports & Spine Institute to explore your pain management options.

Book an Appointment Online: Request an Appointment

Or Call California Sports & Spine Institute: (626) 460-1096