Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a technique that treats pain by stimulating the sensory portions of the spinal cord with low-amplitude electrical impulses.
This technology has been shown to be highly effective for patients diagnosed with neuropathic pain, including conditions such as RSD/CRPS, diabetic neuropathy, arachnoiditis, post-herpetic neuralgia, and radiculopathy. Candidates for this procedure typically have pain that has not responded to other forms of treatment.
An implanted lead (a linearly aligned array of electrodes), powered by a battery or receiver, is placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord. The system works by interrupting pain signal transmission before the signals reach the brain.
There are several types of stimulation available. Some produce a comfortable tingling sensation, while others are sub-perception, meaning no tingling is felt.
The procedure is typically performed in two stages. The first is a trial stage, in which a lead is placed through the skin under local anesthesia into the epidural space. The lead is connected to a trial screening device that the patient takes home.
After receiving instructions on how to operate the device, the patient goes home for several days to determine whether the electrical stimulation provides sufficient pain relief. If the trial is successful, a permanent system can be implanted, with all components placed under the skin.
Patients typically go home the same day for both the trial and the permanent implantation procedures.