Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Diagnosis & Understanding
11. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
12. CRPS I
1:57
13. Central Sensitization Syndrome
1:48
14. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Stellate Ganglion Injection
1:52
4. Lumbar Sympathetic Injection
1:36
Diabetic Neuropathy SCS
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
1. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Trial
1746874079
A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) trial is a short-term test to see if this therapy helps relieve your chronic pain. During this procedure, small electrical wires, or leads, are placed in the epidural space just behind the spinal cord. Here’s what you need to know before and after your procedure. You should not eat for 8 hours before your procedure, but clear liquids are usually allowed up to 2 hours before. If you take blood thinners, follow your doctor’s instructions on when to stop them. A pre-surgical wash like Hibiclens® the night before and the morning of surgery helps reduce infection risk. Wear loose clothing, and arrange for someone to drive you home—you won’t be able to drive afterward. An antibiotic may be required, so check with your provider. After the procedure, keep the trial leads dry. Do not submerge them in water or expose them to direct shower spray. A sponge bath is recommended for the entire trial to keep the dressing and leads dry. Limit movement to prevent lead displacement—avoid bending, twisting, or lifting more than 5 pounds. Use the remote control to adjust the stimulation settings and track your pain levels. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables supports nerve function and healing. If needed, consider nutritional supplements or consult a dietitian. Rest is key! Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help your nervous system adjust. If prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, severe headache, fever, or numbness, call your doctor immediately. This trial lasts 5-7 days. If you experience significant pain relief, we can discuss moving forward with a permanent implant.
FAQs
How do I manage pain levels during the SCS trial?
You can adjust the stimulation settings using the provided remote control to manage your pain levels. Additionally, eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables can support nerve function and healing. Consider consulting a dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.
How should I care for myself after the SCS trial procedure?
After the procedure, keep the trial leads and dressing dry by avoiding submerging them in water or exposing them to direct shower spray, opting for sponge baths instead. Limit your movements to prevent lead displacement, and avoid bending, twisting, or lifting objects heavier than 5 pounds. Ensure you get plenty of rest, aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
What are the signs I should immediately report to my doctor during the SCS trial?
If you experience a loss of bladder or bowel control, severe headache, fever, or numbness, contact your doctor immediately. These could be signs of complications that require prompt medical attention.
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) trial?
A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) trial is a temporary procedure to evaluate whether electrical stimulation can effectively alleviate your chronic pain. The trial involves placing small electrical wires, known as leads, in the epidural space near your spinal cord to see if this therapy provides significant pain relief.
What should I expect before the SCS trial procedure?
Before the SCS trial, you should avoid eating for 8 hours, but you may consume clear liquids up to 2 hours before the procedure. Follow any special instructions from your doctor, especially if you are taking blood thinners. To reduce the risk of infection, use a pre-surgical wash such as Hibiclens® the night before and the morning of surgery.