Conditions SCS may help
- Ongoing back or leg pain, including pain that continues after spine surgery
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Painful diabetic neuropathy and other nerve-related (neuropathic) pain
- Other chronic pain conditions that have not responded to more conservative treatment
Step 1: The trial
During a trial, thin, flexible wires called leads are placed in the epidural space through a needle, using X-ray guidance. The leads connect to a small external battery you wear for several days while going about your normal routine. You and your provider then decide together whether the stimulation helped enough to consider a permanent system. The trial leads are removed in the office.
Step 2: The implant
If the trial goes well, a long-term system can be implanted in a separate outpatient procedure. The leads are placed again and connected to a small generator placed under the skin, usually in the lower back or buttock. You control the device with a handheld remote.
Things to know
- Modern systems offer different stimulation settings; some produce a tingling sensation and some are designed to be felt very little or not at all.
- Many current devices allow MRI scans under specific conditions. Ask your provider about your device.
- Most programs include a psychological evaluation before implant, and some insurers require it.
- Stimulation is designed to reduce pain and improve function; it does not cure the underlying condition.
For pain focused in one area of the leg or foot, a related therapy, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation, may be an option.
Risks
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, lead movement that may need adjustment, discomfort at the generator site, spinal headache, and device-related problems. Your physician will review these in detail.
Exercises you can do at home
Staying active is an important part of most pain treatment plans. See our low back (lumbar) exercises for gentle stretches and strengthening options in lying, seated, and standing positions. Please ask your provider before starting, especially after a procedure.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an evaluation by a medical professional. Results vary, and no treatment works for everyone. Your provider will discuss whether this option is appropriate for you, along with its benefits, risks, and alternatives. Insurance coverage varies by plan — please call to verify.