Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant

A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Implant is an advanced therapy that helps manage chronic pain by sending mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These signals interrupt pain messages before they reach the brain, replacing them with a more tolerable sensation of relief. For patients with long-term back, leg, or nerve pain that has not improved with other treatments, spinal cord stimulation can provide significant, lasting pain reduction and improve overall quality of life.

Quick facts

  • Setting: Outpatient or short inpatient stay
  • Time: ~60–90 minutes
  • Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general anesthesia
  • Recovery: Home same day or next day; gradual activity increase
  • Duration of relief: Long-term with ongoing device programming

Who it helps

  • Chronic back or leg pain after spine surgery (post-laminectomy syndrome)
  • Neuropathic pain from nerve injury or disease
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Peripheral neuropathy or nerve pain in the limbs
  • Chronic pain unrelieved by medication, injections, or surgery

How it works

The spinal cord stimulator system includes thin electrical leads placed near the spinal cord and a small pulse generator implanted under the skin, usually in the lower back or buttock area. The device delivers gentle electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals traveling to the brain. The system can be programmed and adjusted externally to optimize comfort and relief based on your specific pain patterns.

What to expect

  • Before: Candidates typically undergo a temporary SCS trial to ensure the therapy provides meaningful relief. If the trial is successful, a permanent implant is scheduled.
  • During: Under sedation or anesthesia, your provider places the stimulation leads through a small incision near the spine and connects them to the implanted pulse generator. The system is tested during surgery to confirm optimal lead placement.
  • After: You’ll go home the same day or after an overnight stay. Mild soreness near the incision sites is normal. The device is programmed over several follow-up visits to fine-tune your pain relief settings.

Benefits & risks

Benefits:

  • Provides long-term pain relief without heavy medication use
  • Adjustable and reversible therapy
  • Improves function, sleep, and overall quality of life
  • Outpatient procedure with small incisions

Risks:

  • Infection or bleeding at implant sites
  • Lead migration or hardware malfunction (rare)
  • Temporary nerve irritation
  • Need for device adjustment or replacement over time

Is it right for me? (Checklist)

  • ✅ Chronic back, leg, or nerve pain not relieved by conservative care
  • ✅ Successful pain reduction during SCS trial
  • ✅ Willingness to participate in device management and follow-up
  • ✅ No contraindications to implantable medical devices

Alternatives at PCET

FAQs

  • How does the trial work? A temporary system is placed externally for about a week to measure pain relief before committing to a permanent implant.
  • Will I feel the stimulation? Some patients feel a light tingling or pulsing sensation, while newer systems may provide pain relief without noticeable stimulation.
  • Can I adjust it myself? Yes—you’ll receive a handheld controller to change settings within safe limits.
  • Is it permanent? The system can be removed if needed, but most patients keep it long term due to lasting benefit.
  • Is it covered by insurance? Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover spinal cord stimulation for approved conditions.

📞 Call to Schedule

If you’re experiencing radiating neck, shoulder, or arm pain caused by nerve irritation, a Selective Nerve Root Block may help identify and relieve the source of your pain. Call us at 865-934-2567 to schedule your appointment today.