Louisiana Pain Specialists

Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant (SCS)

Spinal Cord Stimulation at Mays & Schnapp

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an innovative pain relief therapy that helps block pain signals from reaching the brain. The system includes a small device—similar to a pacemaker—implanted under the skin. Before the permanent implant, patients go through a trial phase to see how well the device works for them.

Thin wires called leads are positioned near the spinal cord to deliver gentle electrical pulses that mask pain signals. You’ll also receive a remote control so you can adjust the stimulation to your comfort level.

Spinal cord stimulation may be recommended by your pain specialist when other types of treatment, including medications, injections, nerve blocks, and surgery, have not been effective.

Spinal Cord Stimulation can be recommended for patients who have:

  • Back pain due to spinal stenosis
  • Back and leg pain associated with failed back surgery or post-laminectomy syndrome
  • Back pain due to degenerative disc disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy
  • Nerve damage
  • Back and leg pain secondary to herniated disc(s)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS, formerly RSD)
Who should get a spinal cord stimulator?

Pain physicians generally recommend this procedure only after several other conservative treatments have not been successful in relieving your pain. In some cases, you may need to try, and fail, another type of treatment before qualifying for a spinal cord stimulator trial.

Spinal cord stimulation is not for everyone with chronic pain, as it is not intended to treat somatic pain. Somatic pain is pain generated from a non-nerve source such as a muscle or bone.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial

The process of spinal cord stimulation begins with a trial. A trial involves placing two small leads into the epidural space. These leads are connected to an external battery which you wear for the duration of the trial. The lead placement is similar in approach and invasiveness of a standard “nerve block”. 

The trial period lasts anywhere from 5-7 days depending on a patient’s relief pattern. During the trial, a spinal cord stimulation representative will closely monitor your response in conjunction with your physician to help you in determining whether the trial was successful. At trial completion, the leads are simply removed in the office. After a successful trial, a patient will be referred for permanent implantation. 

What to Expect During the SCS Implant Procedure

Spinal cord implantation is quite similar to the trial, except the leads and battery are placed under the skin. This is a minimally invasive surgery that is done as an outpatient (no requirement to stay overnight in a hospital). The implantation usually takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

On the day of your procedure, our team will walk you through the process and answer your questions. After sterilizing the treatment area, a local anesthetic and optional sedation are administered.

Using live imaging, your doctor carefully guides the leads into place and connects them to an external generator. If you feel discomfort during the procedure, let us know so we can adjust accordingly. The trial procedure typically takes less than an hour.

You’ll rest briefly in recovery before heading home with post-care instructions and a follow-up appointment.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Recovery & Long-Term Benefits for Pain Relief

Some soreness is normal after the procedure. Keep the area clean and dry, and call our clinic if you notice redness, swelling, or unusual pain.

Following permanent SCS implantation, a patient should restrict themselves from excessive bending, twisting, or overhead activity for approximately 8 weeks. They should also not lift objects greater than 10 pounds during that time. These restrictions are aimed at minimizing the risk of lead migration while the tissue around the leads and lead anchors heal. After these 8 weeks, the patient can resume normal physical activity as tolerated. 

Many patients feel relief during the trial. If successful, a permanent stimulator is implanted in a follow-up procedure. SCS has helped countless patients reduce their need for pain medication, improve mobility, and regain independence.

Choose Mays & Schnapp for Your Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant (SCS)

For certain patients with chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation therapy is the solution to enjoying a higher quality of life with fewer physical restrictions secondary to pain. Ready to see if a spinal cord stimulator is right for you? At Mays & Schnapp, we’re here to walk you through each step, from the trial phase to long-term care. Schedule your spinal cord stimulator consultation today and take the first step toward meaningful pain relief.