Services | Orthopedics and Pain Medicine Physician located in Edison, Clifton, Hazlet, Jersey City and West Orange, NJ | Garden State Pain & Orthopedics

What is a spinal cord stimulator?

A spinal cord stimulator is a small medical device that sends mild electric current through your spine. Electric impulses from the stimulator stop nerves in the spine from sending pain signals to your brain. When the flow of sensory information is blocked, you stop feeling pain.

While pain relief is immediate, the degree of comfort achieved varies from one person to the next. For this reason, a temporary external stimulator is used to determine your level of pain relief. If you find it effective, a permanent stimulator is implanted under your skin.

What conditions are treated with a spinal cord stimulator?

Spinal cord stimulation is used to relieve chronic pain of the back, arms, and legs, so it’s considered as a treatment for diverse health conditions. Some of the most common conditions treated with spinal cord stimulation include:

• Chronic pain: Caused by conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, spinal stenosis
• Arachnoiditis: Painful inflammation of protective layers of spinal cord
• Sciatica: Compressed sciatic nerve with pain radiating through the leg
• Complex regional pain syndrome: Chronic severe pain that affects one limb after an injury

How is a spinal cord stimulator implanted?

Your doctor at Garden State Pain & Orthopedics uses a specialized type of X-ray to guide placement of an insulated wire into the epidural space of your spine. The wire, which contains tiny electrodes, is connected to the electric pulse generator, which holds the battery and sends impulses through the electrodes.

Following a successful trial period, the generator is surgically implanted under your skin, usually in the buttock, abdomen or chest. You use a wireless programmer to control the power level and timing of the electrical signals sent from the generator.

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 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.