Spinal cord stimulation
SCS may help selected people with lasting nerve pain, including painful diabetic neuropathy or pain after back surgery. A short trial lets you try the therapy first.
How does SCS work?
SCS uses mild electrical pulses to change how pain signals are processed. Thin leads sit in the space around the spinal cord, not inside the cord itself. They connect to a small device called a stimulator. Some settings cause a light tingling feeling. Others work without a feeling you notice.
Painful diabetic neuropathy
Diabetes can harm nerves in the feet and legs. This may cause burning, tingling, or shooting pain, often in both feet. If pain stays hard to manage despite other care, SCS may be an option. We choose a system that fits this condition and your health.
SCS aims to ease pain. It does not cure diabetes or replace blood sugar care, daily foot checks, or treatment of other causes of foot pain.
Pain after back surgery
Back or leg pain can continue after spine surgery. You may hear the term post-laminectomy pain. We first look at what is causing pain now. A new problem may need a different treatment. If nerve pain persists and other care has not helped enough, we may discuss an SCS trial.
First, we learn about your goals
We review your health, scans, past treatments, and any surgery. Tell us what you hope to do with less pain, such as sleep or walk more easily. A visit to discuss mood, coping, and expectations may be part of the plan. This helps us plan care for the whole person.
Next, you try the therapy
For the trial, temporary leads connect to a device outside your body. We use numbing medicine and live X-ray images to guide placement. We discuss any added comfort medicine before the visit. Some people may receive medicine for anxiety when it fits the plan.
Your team sets the length of the trial and teaches you how to use the controller. Track pain, sleep, and useful daily tasks. Ask for help with settings. Follow the trial rules for movement, bathing, and driving.
Then, we review the results
Trial leads are removed after the test. If it helps enough and you want to go on, an implant is a separate procedure. If not, we discuss other choices. A helpful trial does not mean you must get an implant.
If you choose a longer-term system
The stimulator is placed under the skin and connected to longer-term leads. Your team explains the anesthesia plan, wound care, and return to activity. Some systems need charging and some do not. Follow-up visits help us check healing and adjust settings.
Tell every healthcare team about your device, especially before an MRI. The exact system and scan rules must be checked. Before you decide, your clinician will discuss expected benefits, risks, recovery, and other options.
Common questions
Will SCS remove all my pain?
We cannot promise full pain relief. We look for less pain and useful gains in daily life. Results vary, and other parts of your care may still be needed.
Is the trial the same as an implant?
No. The trial uses an outside device and temporary leads. An implant is a later, separate choice made with your clinician.
Are all SCS systems the same?
No. Approved uses, settings, charging needs, and MRI rules differ. We explain the system being considered for you.
Sources behind this guide
Learn more from these professional and manufacturer resources. Your care plan and written instructions are specific to you.