Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an advanced treatment for chronic pain that uses mild electrical signals to modify pain perception before it reaches the brain.

It is often used for conditions like post-laminectomy syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), diabetic neuropathy, and persistent pain after back, knee, or shoulder surgery.

SCS works by placing small leads near the spinal cord, which deliver controlled electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals. Different stimulation patterns, or waveforms, allow for customized pain relief.

Traditional tonic stimulation produces a steady pulse, while burst stimulation mimics natural nerve signaling. High-frequency stimulation (such as 10 kHz) provides pain relief without tingling sensations, and closed-loop systems adjust stimulation in real time based on spinal cord activity.

Open-loop systems provide consistent stimulation but require manual adjustments. Before permanent implantation, a trial period is required to determine if SCS provides at least 50% pain relief. Research shows that a successful trial strongly predicts long-term effectiveness.

For patients who respond well, SCS can provide long-term pain relief, reduce medication use, and improve function. If chronic pain persists despite other treatments, talk to your doctor to see if SCS is right for you.