Spinal Cord Stimulation: How It Helps Chronic Pain Patients

Chronic pain can be extremely frustrating—especially when you’ve tried countless treatments without lasting relief. For many patients living with nerve-related pain, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers a powerful, minimally invasive option that can significantly reduce symptoms and restore quality of life.

This advanced therapy has become a trusted solution for people with conditions like failed back surgery syndrome, neuropathic pain, CRPS, and chronic leg, arm, or back pain. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal Cord Stimulation uses a small implantable device that sends light electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing—or even eliminating—the sensation of pain.

Modern SCS systems are highly customizable, giving patients the ability to adjust stimulation based on their daily needs.

Conditions That May Benefit From SCS

• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
• Chronic neuropathic pain
• Radiculopathy (nerve pain radiating into arms or legs)
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Chronic back or neck pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments

If you’ve tried physical therapy, injections, medications, or surgery without meaningful relief, SCS may be the next step.

How Spinal Cord Stimulation Works

1. Modulates Pain Signals

The device disrupts pain signals as they move through the spinal cord, reducing the brain’s perception of pain.

2. Tailored to Your Pain Pattern

Most stimulators can be adjusted to increase or decrease stimulation, change waveforms, or target specific pain areas.

3. Improves Function Without Medications

Many patients reduce their pain medication use—including opioids—after successful SCS therapy.

The Two-Step Process: Trial and Implant

1. The SCS Trial

Before receiving a permanent implant, every patient undergoes a trial lasting about 5–7 days. During this time, temporary leads are placed to test how much relief the therapy provides. Most insurers require the trial to demonstrate at least 50% pain reduction.

2. Permanent Implantation

If the trial is successful, a small device (similar to a pacemaker) is surgically implanted under the skin. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically done on an outpatient basis.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation

• Significant reduction in chronic pain
• Less reliance on pain medications
• Improved mobility and daily function
• Reversible and adjustable treatment option
• Minimally invasive and long-lasting

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation if:

• Your chronic pain has lasted 6 months or longer
• Conservative treatments haven’t worked
• Your pain has a neuropathic (nerve-related) component
• You are not a good candidate for additional surgery
• You want a reversible alternative to long-term opioid therapy

Final Thoughts

Spinal Cord Stimulation isn’t a first-line treatment—but for the right patient, it can be a breakthrough. With proven success in reducing nerve-related pain and improving daily functioning, SCS gives many chronic pain patients new hope and a path forward.

If chronic pain is affecting your life despite treatment, talk to a pain specialist about whether SCS could help you regain comfort and mobility.