What to Expect From Spinal Cord Stimulation

When chronic pain doesn’t respond to typical treatments, it can feel like you’re out of options. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) could be the solution you’ve been hoping for. Every year in the United States, more than 30,000 people choose SCS to relieve their long-term pain. 

At Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio, Dr. Sergio Alvarado and our team offer this innovative pain management approach for patients with persistent back pain, sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and other chronic pain conditions. 

If your pain hasn’t responded to conventional treatments, SCS could help. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering SCS as a remedy for your chronic pain. 

What is spinal cord stimulation? 

SCS is a therapy that uses targeted electrical signals to interrupt communication between your brain and body. Specifically, it interrupts pain signals before they reach your brain. It works thanks to a small device that’s surgically placed under your skin near your spine. 

A recent study found that more than half of SCS participants experienced at least a 50% reduction (often better) in chronic back or leg pain, peripheral neuropathy, and other types of nerve pain that hadn’t responded to initial treatments like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, steroid injections, and other therapies.  

Will SCS ease your chronic pain? 

There’s a SCS trial phase that lasts about a week, during which we insert thin wires, called “leads,” into your body. These leads are connected to an external pulse generator, which is either taped to your back or worn on a belt. This allows you to “test drive” SCS therapy before committing to the permanent implant. 

If you experience at least a 50% reduction in pain relief, we consider the trial a success and you can receive a permanent implantable pulse generator (IPG) that’s surgically implanted under your skin, typically in the lower back. 

What to expect after SCS surgery 

The SCS implantation procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and recovery is fairly straightforward. With the aid of local anesthetics, we make a small incision to insert the IPG. Most patients experience a short period of: 

• Soreness or swelling near the incision
• Limits on lifting, bending, or twisting 
• Gradual return to their regular activities 

We can fine-tune the IPG device remotely or in person as your body adjusts. You can expect follow-up visits to adjust settings, periodic re-evaluation, and battery replacements every five to 10 years. Some IPGs are MRI-compatible, while others aren’t. You’ll learn all about your specific device before your procedure.  

Potential SCS complications 

Most patients do well with minimally invasive SCS implantation, but there are risks with any surgical procedure. Possible complications include: 

• Infection (usually within the first few weeks) 
• Hardware issues (i.e., unexpected battery failure)  
• Lead migration (an electrode shifting out of place) 
• Diminished pain relief effectiveness over time 

None of these are common scenarios, but they’re worth noting as you decide whether SCS may be right for you. 

Is SCS the answer to your chronic pain?

The bottom line? SCS can dramatically improve your quality of life under the right conditions. If you’re experiencing chronic pain and haven’t found a solution, we can help. Schedule a visit at your nearest Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio office in San Antonio or Live Oak, Texas, today.