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Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial
A spinal cord stimulator trial provides a temporary assessment period for managing chronic pain with mild electrical currents, helping you and your physician decide if a permanent implant is the appropriate long-term therapy.
Understanding Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a therapy that utilizes a small, implanted medical device to deliver mild electrical pulses near the spinal cord. The purpose of these pulses is to interrupt and modify pain signals traveling to the brain, changing the perception of chronic pain into a different, more manageable sensation, often described as gentle tingling.
How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Function?
The stimulator device delivers mild electrical pulses to the nerves in the spinal cord. These pulses effectively interfere with the pain messages being sent to the brain. This interruption changes how your brain perceives the pain; instead of the chronic pain sensation, many patients feel a gentle tingling or fluttering, leading to a significant reduction in their overall discomfort.
What Conditions Can It Address?
Spinal cord stimulation is a versatile option for managing persistent pain in various parts of the body. It is especially considered when more conventional treatments have not provided adequate relief, or when the source of the pain cannot be surgically corrected. SCS is frequently recommended as a next step for patients who have not found lasting success with other treatments, such as therapeutic nerve block injections.
Is This Therapy Right for Me?
You may be a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation if you’ve been dealing with chronic pain for more than three months and other, more conservative treatments haven’t given you the relief you need. Before moving forward, your pain specialist will conduct a thorough evaluation with diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact source of your pain. This crucial step helps ensure the stimulation is targeted for the best possible results.
A psychological assessment is often a standard part of the preparation process. This isn’t just a formality; it helps to ensure you are fully prepared for the treatment journey and addresses any factors that could impact a successful outcome. Additionally, this evaluation is frequently a requirement for insurance providers before they will approve the procedure.
What Types of Pain Can SCS Address?
Spinal cord stimulation is a versatile therapy used to manage a wide range of chronic pain conditions. Some of the common issues it addresses include:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) or persistent back pain after surgery
- Chronic Leg Pain (Sciatica) or Arm Pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Arachnoiditis (painful inflammation and scarring of the protective lining of spinal nerves)
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve pain, often felt as burning or stabbing in the feet and legs)
- Pain Related to Cancer
- Persistent Abdominal and Pelvic Pain
- Phantom Limb Pain
The Two-Stage Implantation Process
Implanting a spinal cord stimulator is a carefully planned two-phase procedure designed to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Phase 1: The Trial Period
The first phase is a temporary evaluation to confirm that SCS therapy will effectively manage your pain.
- What happens: In a minimally invasive procedure using local anesthetic, thin, flexible wires (leads) are carefully placed along your spine. We use live X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to ensure they are positioned perfectly. These leads are connected to a small, external stimulator that you’ll wear on a belt for about a week.
- Your role: During this trial, you have control over the stimulation. You’ll be encouraged to test different settings to find the most effective level of relief while going about your daily activities. We’ll ask you to keep a log of your pain levels.
- The goal: If you experience a significant reduction in pain (typically 50% or more), the trial is considered a success, and we can proceed to the next phase.
Phase 2: The Permanent Implant
After a successful trial, the permanent system is implanted.
- What happens: This procedure is also performed under local anesthesia. The temporary leads are replaced with permanent ones, and a small, internal power source (generator), similar in size to a pacemaker, is placed discreetly under the skin.
- Placement: The generator is usually positioned in a comfortable location, such as the upper buttock or abdomen, through a small incision. Once implanted, the entire system is internal, with nothing visible on the outside of your body.
What Regenerative Medicine Options Are Available?
At MVM Health, we offer advanced regenerative therapies for patients exploring minimally invasive treatments that work with the body’s natural healing capabilities. These options can be powerful tools in your pain management journey, often considered before moving to neurostimulation therapies. Our treatments, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell therapy, and amniotic fluid injections, are designed to harness your body’s own restorative cells to repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and provide significant, long-lasting pain relief.
What to Expect During Your Recovery
Yes, there is a recovery period to ensure the best results from your SCS implant. Following the procedure, we advise limiting your physical activity to light walking for the first one to two weeks. This allows the device and the leads to settle properly in place. After this initial healing phase, most patients are cleared to return to work and can resume driving (it’s important to turn the device off while operating a vehicle). A full recovery generally takes two to four weeks. You’ll be guided by your physician on how to gradually and safely reintroduce more strenuous activities and exercise into your routine.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Trail
FAQ
What is the purpose of the spinal cord stimulator trial?
The trial acts as a temporary “test drive” for spinal cord stimulation. Its primary goal is to allow you to experience the therapy firsthand and see how much it reduces your pain. This helps you and your physician make an informed decision about whether a permanent implant is the best choice for your long-term pain management.
How long does the trial phase last?
The trial period is short, typically lasting about five to seven days. During this time, you will wear a small, external device that powers the temporary leads. This window gives you enough time to evaluate how well the stimulation works for you in your everyday life.
What can I expect during the trial procedure?
The procedure to place the trial leads is minimally invasive and is performed using a local anesthetic to numb the area completely. We place thin, flexible leads in the epidural space near your spinal cord and connect them to the external trial device you’ll wear on a belt.
Is the trial procedure painful?
A successful trial—meaning you experience a significant reduction in pain (usually 50% or more)—makes you a great candidate for a permanent implant. The next step is a separate procedure to place a small, long-lasting battery (generator) discreetly under your skin.
What if the trial doesn’t relieve my pain?
If the trial doesn’t provide the desired level of pain relief, that’s valuable information. The temporary leads are easily and painlessly removed in our office. We will then discuss other, more suitable pain management strategies for you. The trial’s purpose is to prevent you from getting a permanent implant that won’t work.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with the trial?
The trial is considered a very low-risk procedure. The most common side effects are minor and temporary, such as bruising or tenderness at the lead site. There is a very small risk of infection, which is minimized by following the care instructions we provide.
How does spinal cord stimulation compare to other treatments?
SCS is unique because it changes how your brain perceives pain rather than just masking it with medication. Unlike oral drugs that affect your whole body, SCS targets the specific pain area. It’s also a less invasive option than major surgery and has the flexibility of being adjustable to your needs.
Can I resume normal activities during the trial?
We ask that you avoid any strenuous bending, lifting, or twisting during the trial week to ensure the temporary leads don’t move out of place. However, you should engage in your normal, light daily activities. The goal is to see how much relief the stimulator provides during your typical routine.