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Spinal Cord Stimulator
A spinal cord stimulator is a small implantable device that delivers precisely controlled electrical pulses to the spinal cord, effectively interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain and replacing them with either a gentle tingling sensation or — with newer waveform technologies — simply less pain without any sensation at all.
What is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
For patients who have tried medications, injections, and physical therapy but continue to live with chronic, debilitating pain, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) represents one of the most powerful breakthroughs in modern pain medicine. A spinal cord stimulator is a small implantable device that delivers precisely controlled electrical pulses to the spinal cord, effectively interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain and replacing them with either a gentle tingling sensation or with newer waveform technologies, simply less pain without any sensation at all. Approved by the FDA and backed by decades of clinical evidence, SCS can dramatically reduce pain from a wide range of chronic conditions. At River Cities Interventional Pain Specialists, we partner with patients through every step of the SCS process — from initial evaluation through the trial period, implantation, and long-term programming.
What To Expect
The journey to spinal cord stimulation begins with a trial and follows a structured path:
✔️ Initial Evaluation: Dr. Brewer reviews your history, imaging, and prior treatment responses to determine if SCS is appropriate. A psychological evaluation may also be required.
✔️ Trial Period (5–7 days): Thin wire leads are placed in the epidural space through a minimally invasive procedure. These connect to an external stimulator worn outside the body. You'll go home and evaluate how much relief the therapy provides during normal daily activities.
✔️ Trial Assessment: If the trial provides 50% or greater pain reduction (and many patients achieve far more), permanent implantation is recommended.
✔️ Permanent Implant: A brief surgical procedure places the leads permanently in the spine and a small pulse generator beneath the skin of the abdomen or buttock.
✔️ Programming & Optimization: Your stimulator is programmed wirelessly and can be adjusted over time to optimize pain coverage as your condition changes.
Results and Recovery
The trial procedure has minimal recovery — patients typically resume light activity within 1–2 days. Following permanent implantation, we recommend avoiding heavy lifting, twisting, and bending for 4–6 weeks to allow the leads to anchor securely. Most patients return to desk work within 1–2 weeks. Ongoing care includes periodic programming visits to fine-tune your settings, and most patients find that their stimulator requires minimal day-to-day management once optimized.
Spinal cord stimulation is a well-established option for patients with:
✔️ Failed back surgery syndrome (persistent pain following one or more spinal surgeries)
✔️ Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Types I and II
✔️ Chronic radiculopathy (radiating arm or leg pain) that hasn't responded to other treatments
✔️ Peripheral neuropathy causing burning, stabbing, or electrical pain in the hands or feet
✔️ Chronic back or neck pain that has been resistant to a full course of conservative and interventional care
✔️ Ischemic limb pain related to vascular insufficiency
WHO IS THIS BEST FOR?
Frequently Asked Questions
The trial lead placement procedure is performed under mild sedation and local anesthetic. Most patients report only mild pressure or discomfort during the procedure. The trial period itself is non-surgical, and leads are removed easily at the end of the trial if the patient chooses not to proceed.
Yes. Spinal cord stimulators are fully reversible — the device can be removed at any time if desired. This is one of the defining advantages of SCS as a therapy — you try before you commit, and you're never locked into it permanently.
Many modern SCS systems are MRI-conditional and can be scanned under specific settings and guidelines. Device selection will take into account your likelihood of needing future MRI imaging. Dr. Brewer will discuss this with you during your evaluation.
This varies by device and by your stimulation settings. Rechargeable systems last many years but require periodic charging (typically 1–2 hours per week). Non-rechargeable systems last 3–5 years before requiring a replacement procedure. We'll discuss battery options based on your lifestyle and needs.
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Leaders In Shreveport Pain Management for Over 20 Years