Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain Relief
Find Lasting Relief When Other Treatments Haven’t Worked
Living with chronic pain can affect every part of your life—from walking and working to sleeping through the night. If medications, physical therapy, injections, or even previous spine surgery have not provided lasting relief, spinal cord stimulation may be an effective treatment option.
At Nexus Pain Center, our board-certified pain management specialists use spinal cord stimulation as part of a comprehensive, personalized approach to treating chronic nerve-related pain. Before recommending permanent implantation, every patient completes a thorough evaluation and a temporary trial to determine whether spinal cord stimulation provides meaningful pain relief.
Our goal is to help reduce pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life with advanced interventional pain management solutions.
What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?
A spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is a small implanted device that helps interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. Thin wires, called leads, are placed near the spinal cord and connected to a pulse generator that delivers gentle electrical impulses.
Rather than treating the underlying cause of pain, spinal cord stimulation changes how the brain interprets pain signals. For many patients living with chronic nerve pain, this can lead to improved comfort, increased mobility, and greater independence in daily life.
One of the biggest advantages of spinal cord stimulation is that the therapy can be tested before a permanent device is implanted. Every patient first completes a temporary trial to determine whether the treatment is likely to provide meaningful relief.
Conditions That May Be Treated With Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation may be recommended for patients experiencing chronic pain that has not improved with conservative treatment options.
Common conditions include:
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
Persistent pain following spine surgery can sometimes continue even after the surgical problem has been corrected. Spinal cord stimulation may help reduce chronic nerve pain without requiring another surgery.
Chronic Low Back Pain
Patients with ongoing chronic low back pain that has not responded to physical therapy, medications, or injections may be candidates for spinal cord stimulation.
Sciatica and Chronic Leg Pain
Pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks or legs due to irritated nerves may improve with spinal cord stimulation when other treatments have not provided lasting relief. Learn more about our treatment options for sciatica.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy often causes burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain in the hands or feet. For some patients, spinal cord stimulation may help manage chronic nerve pain and improve daily function.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
This chronic pain condition may develop after an injury or surgery and can be difficult to manage with traditional treatments alone. Spinal cord stimulation is one of the advanced therapies that may be considered for appropriate patients.
Who May Be a Candidate?
Spinal cord stimulation is not the right treatment for everyone, but it may be an option if you:
- Have experienced chronic pain for six months or longer
- Continue to have pain despite medications, physical therapy, or injections
- Have nerve-related pain affecting your back, legs, arms, or feet
- Have undergone previous spine surgery but continue to experience pain
- Are looking for alternatives before relying on long-term pain medication
- Want to explore minimally invasive treatment options before considering additional surgery
A comprehensive evaluation with one of our specialists is the best way to determine whether spinal cord stimulation is appropriate for your condition.
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
Your journey begins with a consultation at Nexus Pain Center.
During your appointment, one of our pain management specialists will:
- Review your medical history
- Discuss your symptoms and how pain affects your daily life
- Evaluate previous treatments you’ve tried
- Review imaging studies when appropriate
- Determine whether spinal cord stimulation may be a suitable treatment option
- Answer any questions you have about the procedure and recovery process
If spinal cord stimulation appears to be an appropriate option, the next step is a temporary trial.
How the Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Works
Before a permanent device is implanted, every patient first completes a temporary spinal cord stimulator trial.
During this outpatient procedure, small leads are placed near the spinal cord and connected to an external pulse generator worn outside the body. Over the next several days, you’ll evaluate how well the device reduces your pain while performing many of your normal daily activities.
Your physician will work closely with you to determine whether the trial has provided meaningful improvement in your pain and overall function.
If the trial is successful, permanent implantation may be recommended.
Want to learn more? Read our guide: Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Every patient’s experience is unique, but spinal cord stimulation may help:
- Reduce chronic pain
- Improve mobility and physical function
- Increase participation in daily activities
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce reliance on pain medication when appropriate
- Improve overall quality of life
Your physician will discuss realistic expectations based on your diagnosis and treatment goals.
Risks and Important Considerations
Like all medical procedures, spinal cord stimulation has potential risks and is not appropriate for every patient.
Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Temporary discomfort following the procedure
- Lead movement or migration
- Device maintenance or battery replacement over time
At Nexus Pain Center, every patient undergoes a careful evaluation to help determine whether spinal cord stimulation is the safest and most appropriate treatment option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a spinal cord stimulator cure chronic pain?
No. Spinal cord stimulation is designed to manage chronic pain by interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. While many patients experience significant relief, it does not cure the underlying condition causing the pain.
How long does the spinal cord stimulator trial last?
Most trials last several days, giving both you and your physician time to determine how effectively the device manages your pain before moving forward with permanent implantation.
Does the procedure hurt?
Patients typically experience only mild discomfort during the procedure. Your physician will discuss anesthesia or sedation options and explain what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
Will I still need pain medication?
Some patients are able to reduce their reliance on pain medication after successful spinal cord stimulation, although results vary from person to person.
Can I return to normal activities during the trial?
Your physician will provide specific instructions, but patients are generally advised to avoid excessive bending, twisting, lifting, and strenuous physical activity while temporary leads are in place.
What happens if the trial is successful?
If you experience meaningful pain relief and improved function during the trial period, your physician may recommend moving forward with permanent implantation.
Why Choose Nexus Pain Center?
Choosing the right pain management provider is an important part of your treatment journey.
At Nexus Pain Center, our experienced physicians specialize in advanced interventional pain management techniques designed to help patients find relief when conservative treatments have not been enough.
We take a personalized approach to care, developing treatment plans based on your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and long-term goals. If spinal cord stimulation is appropriate for your condition, our team will guide you through every step—from your initial consultation and trial to long-term follow-up care.
With multiple convenient locations throughout Georgia, we’re committed to helping patients regain comfort, mobility, and confidence in their daily lives.
Schedule Your Consultation
If chronic pain continues to interfere with your work, hobbies, or quality of life, spinal cord stimulation may be an option worth exploring.
Contact Nexus Pain Center today to schedule a consultation and learn whether spinal cord stimulation is right for you.