Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a treatment that can help manage chronic back pain when surgery isn't an option and conservative options have failed. One indication is non-surgical back pain, meaning the patient has never had back surgery. It involves placing small electrodes near your spinal cord, which send electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain. Initially, you'll undergo a trial phase. In this trial, usually lastly 7 to 14 days, where temporary leads are inserted to see if SCS provides enough pain relief for you. If the trial is successful, we then move on to a permanent implant that contains a small battery-operated device, typically placed under the skin.

This treatment targets conditions like complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathy and pain following failed back surgery. Often, SCS helps permanently reduce reliance on pain medications and improve daily functioning.

There are other paths you can take if SCS isn’t suitable for you. These include traditional medications like anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and sometimes procedures like nerve blocks or nerve ablation to help manage pain. Each option has different pros and cons, so we’ll look at what's best for your situation.

As with any procedure, there are some risks involved. These risks include the potential for infection, movement of the leads, bleeding, device malfunction. Before the procedure, there will be a psychological evaluation and imaging tests to ensure good candidacy. It’s important to discuss any medication you are taking with your doctor, especially if they affect your clotting or immune system.

After the trial period, if you proceed with the full implant, you'll need some recovery time, including avoiding heavy lifting or twisting for several weeks. Once the permanent device is inserted, you’ll use a remote control to adjust the settings for maximum comfort and relief. Over time, many patients see a sustained reduction in pain, allowing for less medication use and more active participation in daily life.