Spinal Cord Stimulation: Effective Chronic Pain Relief | Pain Doctors Near You

Chronic pain can be debilitating, especially when traditional treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections fail to provide relief. For patients suffering from persistent back, leg, or nerve-related pain, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a promising alternative. Read more to learn what spinal cord stimulation is, who qualifies for it, what the trial period involves, how effective it must be to proceed with permanent implantation, and how patients can live with an SCS system to regain their quality of life. Garden State Pain and Orthopedics specializes in this treatment modality at their locations in Clifton, Edison, Jersey City, West Orange, and Hazlet, New Jersey. 

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)?

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive, implantable device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. The result? A reduction in pain sensation, often described as a tingling, massaging, or warming sensation instead of sharp or burning pain.

Modern SCS systems are highly customizable, and patients can adjust the intensity and type of stimulation based on their pain levels. In some cases, newer burst and high-frequency stimulators allow pain relief without the tingling sensation (paresthesia), making the experience even more comfortable.

Who Qualifies for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

SCS is typically recommended for patients with chronic pain who have not responded to more conservative treatments. Specific conditions that might qualify someone for spinal cord stimulation include:

• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS): Persistent pain after one or more spinal surgeries.
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition affecting the limbs.
• Sciatica or radiculopathy: Nerve pain radiating from the spine into the legs.
• Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve-related pain, often caused by diabetes or nerve damage.
• Post-laminectomy syndrome: Ongoing pain after spinal decompression surgery.

To qualify for SCS, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Pain is moderate to severe and has lasted more than 6 months.
• Non-surgical treatments (physical therapy, medications, injections) have failed.
• There is no ongoing infection or untreated psychiatric condition that could interfere with outcomes.
• Imaging studies (MRI or CT scans) show no structural issues that require further surgical intervention.

The SCS Trial Period: Testing the Waters

One of the unique aspects of spinal cord stimulation is that patients can "test-drive" the system before committing to permanent implantation through a trial period.

How Does the Trial Work?

During the trial phase, a pain management physician places temporary leads (thin wires) near the spinal cord through a minimally invasive procedure. These leads connect to an external pulse generator, which the patient wears on a belt. The goal is to determine how well the SCS system relieves pain over the course of 5 to 10 days.

Monitoring Success

Throughout the trial period, patients monitor their pain levels and daily activities to evaluate how effective the device is. Success is measured by:

• At least 80% reduction in pain or significant improvement in quality of life.
• Ability to reduce pain medications, especially opioids.
• Improved functionality, such as walking, sitting, or sleeping more comfortably.

If the trial is successful, the patient may proceed to permanent implantation. If not, the leads are easily removed, and other treatments can be explored.

How Effective Does the SCS Trial Need to Be for Permanent Implantation?

For a patient to move forward with permanent implantation, the trial period must demonstrate:

• 80% or greater pain relief from baseline levels.
• Noticeable improvements in daily activities, such as mobility and sleep.
• Patient satisfaction with the system, ensuring the SCS will meet their lifestyle needs.

Patients who experience these improvements typically find the benefits of the permanent system well worth the investment. However, if the trial does not meet expectations, there is no obligation to proceed with implantation, and the patient can explore other treatment options.

What Happens During Permanent SCS Implantation?

The permanent implantation procedure involves placing small leads near the spinal cord and a pulse generator (similar to a pacemaker) under the skin, usually in the lower back or abdomen. This procedure is done under local anesthesia and sedation on an outpatient basis. Patients typically go home the same day and can return to light activities within a week.

How Do You Live with a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Living with an SCS system is usually straightforward, and most patients adapt quickly. Here’s what to expect:

Adjusting the Stimulation Levels

Patients receive a hand-held remote control to adjust the intensity and type of stimulation based on their needs. The device can be fine-tuned to target different areas of the body and can be adjusted throughout the day.

Charging the Device

The systems used at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics are non-rechargeable and can last several years before the battery needs replacement through a minor procedure. The battery life is dependent on how often the patient uses its benefits. The batteries range anywhere from 2-5  years, but as technology improves, battery life capacity will increase.  

Physical Activity and Lifestyle

While the device is highly durable, certain precautions are necessary:

• Avoid twisting or bending excessively for the first few months to allow the leads to stabilize.
• Engage in low-impact activities initially, such as walking or swimming.
• Contact sports and heavy lifting may be discouraged to avoid damaging the system.

Patients can resume most of their daily activities, including driving, traveling, and exercising, with few limitations once they adjust to the device.

Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-ups with your pain management physician are important to:

• Monitor the effectiveness of the device.
• Make adjustments to the programming if pain patterns change.
• Ensure the pulse generator and leads are functioning properly.

How Effective Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Long-Term?

SCS provides long-term pain relief for many patients, with studies showing significant relief  from pain for individuals with conditions like failed back surgery syndrome or CRPS. Patients often report significant reductions in pain medication use, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life.

However, it’s important to remember that SCS is not a cure, and results can vary from patient to patient. Some people may experience full relief, while others may have partial improvement.

A Path to Better Living with SCS

Spinal cord stimulation offers hope for patients with chronic pain who have exhausted other treatment options. The trial period ensures that only those who benefit from the therapy proceed with permanent implantation, making it a safe and thoughtful solution. With proper adjustments and follow-up care, patients with an SCS system can return to activities they love and reduce their dependence on medications.

If chronic pain is limiting your life, consulting with a pain management physician about spinal cord stimulation may be the next step. Garden State Pain and Orthopedics provides expert care to guide patients through the SCS journey, from trial to long-term relief. You can book an appointment today with one of their pain medicine physicians in Clifton, West Orange, Jersey City, or Hazlet, New Jersey. 

Meet Dr. Jahnna Levy, DO

Dr. Jahnna Levy practices physical medicine and rehabilitation at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics, where her expertise contributes a vital component to each person’s treatment and recovery. As an osteopathic physiatrist, she believes in a multifaceted and holistic approach to pain management. She treats each person as an individual, formulating a systematic treatment plan to restore function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life when they receive care at one of four office locations: Edison, Clifton, Hazlet, and Jersey City, New Jersey. 

Dr. Levy attended medical school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. During this time, she became proficient in musculoskeletal medicine and co-founded the Osteopathic Orthopedic Organization. Upon graduation, Dr. Levy completed her internship at North Shore-LIJ Plainview Hospital and her residency in physiatry at the prestigious Rusk Institute at New York University Hospital in New York City. During her residency, Dr. Levy received extensive training at the Hospital for Joint Disease and was elected Chief Resident at both the Manhattan Veterans Affairs Hospital and Bellevue Hospital. During her fellowship, Dr. Levy was trained to perform a variety of nonsurgical orthopedic procedures and fluoroscopically-guided injections for neck, back, and joint pain. She’s also trained in spinal cord stimulator placement, EMGs, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, and percutaneous tenotomy for tendon injuries. Additionally, she received training in medical acupuncture and migraine management. 

Dr. Levy is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and fellowship trained in interventional pain management and sports medicine. She’s an active member of the North American Neuromodulation Society, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, and American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Levy is a contributing author on Spine-health.com where she has written patient education content about spinal conditions and treatments. Her most recent pieces include: Common Causes of Back Pain and Neck Pain When she’s not working with patients, Dr. Levy enjoys dancing, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, nerve, pain, or any vein conditions you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Levy in West Orange, Clifton, Jersey City, or Edison by selecting the “Book Now” button.