Spinal Cord Stimulator

What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) is a medical device used to manage chronic pain, especially when other treatments have failed. It works by sending mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, helping to mask pain signals before they reach the brain. The goal is to reduce pain sensations and improve quality of life.

There are four manufacturers of spinal cord stimulators. For more information about each one, visit the company website:

• Medtronic Stimulators
• Boston Scientific Stimulators
• Nevro Corp Stimulators
• Abbott Stimulators

What Does it Treat?

Spinal Cord Stimulators are primarily used to treat chronic pain that has not responded well to other treatments and are often used for patients with severe, long-lasting pain in the lower back and legs.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The implantation of a Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) typically occurs in two stages: the trial phase and the permanent implantation phase.

1. Trial Phase Purpose: Test if the SCS effectively reduces pain before permanent implantation.
   Steps:
   • Local anesthesia is used.
   • Leads (thin wires) are placed near the spinal cord using a needle.
   • The leads are connected to an external pulse generator worn outside the body.
   • The patient uses a remote for 3–7 days to test pain relief.
2. Outcome: If the trial reduces pain by 50% or more, the permanent device can be implanted.
3. Permanent Implantation
   Procedure:
   • General or local anesthesia is used.
   • Permanent leads are inserted into the epidural space, and a small pulse generator is implanted under the skin (usually in the lower back).
   • The leads are connected to the generator.
   • The device is tested during surgery to ensure proper placement.
4. Recovery: Recovery takes a few weeks, during which heavy lifting or strenuous activity should be avoided. After healing, the device is programmed to meet the patient’s needs.
   Follow-Up
   • Adjustments: The stimulator can be adjusted as needed.
   • Battery: Rechargeable batteries are charged through the skin, while non-rechargeable ones will need surgical replacement every few years.

What Are the Risks?

The Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) procedure, like any surgery, carries certain risks. Infections can occur at the site of the incisions, and leads may shift from their original position near the spinal cord, reducing or altering the effectiveness of the stimulator. The pulse generator or leads can malfunction, leading to inadequate stimulation or no stimulation at all. Rarely, the procedure can cause direct nerve damage, resulting in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or arms.

Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulators

Spinal Cord Stimulators (SCS) offer several benefits, particularly for individuals suffering from chronic pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments. SCS can significantly reduce chronic pain, especially in the back, legs, and arms, with many patients experiencing at least a 50% reduction in pain. SCS can reduce the need for strong pain medications like opioids, helping to avoid potential side effects and the risks of addiction. By reducing pain, SCS can improve physical functioning, allowing patients to move more freely and engage in daily activities.