Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for chronic pain that has not responded to other therapies. The procedure works by delivering gentle electrical impulses to the spinal cord, which interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. SCS can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients decrease their reliance on pain medications, often transforming quality of life for those with long-term pain conditions.

In most cases, a temporary trial device is placed to see if pain improves. If successful, a permanent stimulator is implanted under the skin. The device can be adjusted to deliver customized pain relief.

Preparation: Spinal cord stimulator placement is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. You’ll lie comfortably on your stomach while the treatment area on your back is sterilized and numbed.

Lead Placement: Using real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) for precision, thin leads (tiny wires) are carefully threaded into the epidural space near the spinal cord, precisely positioning them in the area that corresponds to the pain.

Trial Phase: Before permanent implantation, most patients undergo a temporary trial lasting about 5–7 days. During this phase, thin leads are connected to an external stimulator. This allows you and your expert team to evaluate how well the therapy reduces your pain. Once the trial is deemed successful, the permanent procedure is scheduled.

Recovery and Results: Most patients go home the same day and can resume light activities within a few days. Full recovery typically takes about one to two weeks. Pain relief is often noticeable immediately and continues to improve over time as the device is fine-tuned. Many patients report a 50–80% reduction in pain, along with increased mobility, improved sleep, and a reduced need for pain medication.

For patients who haven’t found sufficient relief with conservative care, spinal cord stimulator offers a safe, effective and long-term option to stabilize and relieve pain without open surgery or heavy reliance on medications.