Living with chronic pain can feel like life on pause. Everyday activities—walking the dog, enjoying a meal, playing with your children—can become daunting or even impossible. While many people spend years chasing short-term relief, some treatments offer a new path forward. One of the most effective and advanced therapies available today is Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS). At Genesis Wellness and Pain, we specialize in this minimally invasive procedure to bring long-term, life-changing relief to those who need it most.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a form of neuromodulation therapy that uses mild electrical impulses to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. Instead of pain, patients typically feel a soft tingling sensation—or no sensation at all, depending on how the device is programmed.

Think of it like tuning out static on a radio. The brain relies on electrical signals to interpret pain. When those signals are disrupted or masked by SCS, the painful messages are never fully processed, giving the patient a chance to feel normal again.

Originally developed in the 1960s, modern spinal cord stimulation systems have become more sophisticated, precise, and patient-friendly. These devices can now be adjusted externally, offering patients greater control over their therapy and minimizing disruption to their daily lives.

Conditions Treated by SCS

Spinal cord stimulation is typically recommended for individuals who haven’t responded well to conservative treatments like medications or physical therapy. It’s commonly used for conditions such as:

• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): Persistent pain after spinal surgery
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic condition causing intense limb pain
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Chronic back or leg pain, especially with nerve involvement
• Post-surgical pain or sciatica

Patients who qualify for SCS are often those who have exhausted their options but aren't willing to live in constant pain—or rely solely on medication for relief.

What the Process Looks Like

Spinal cord stimulation isn’t a rushed decision, and that’s a good thing. The process is deliberately designed with patient safety and personalized success in mind.

1. Initial Evaluation: At Genesis Wellness and Pain, we begin with a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, imaging studies, and treatment goals. We discuss whether SCS is an appropriate next step.
2. Trial Phase: Before making a long-term commitment, patients undergo a trial run. A temporary lead is placed near the spinal cord under X-ray guidance, and an external stimulator delivers pulses for about 5–7 days. If the trial provides 50% or more relief, patients are considered good candidates for permanent implantation.
3. Permanent Implantation: This outpatient procedure involves placing the device just under the skin. The generator, typically placed near the hip or abdomen, connects to leads placed along the spinal cord. The system is controlled with an external remote.

Recovery is relatively quick—most people are back to light activities within a few days and can return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the nature of their job.

Benefits Beyond Pain Reduction

While pain relief is the primary goal, the ripple effects of spinal cord stimulation are just as important. Many patients report:

• Improved sleep due to decreased nighttime discomfort
• Greater mobility and ability to enjoy physical activity
• Reduced reliance on opioids and oral medications
• Enhanced emotional well-being and quality of life

For individuals living with years of debilitating pain, this treatment can be life-altering. You’re not just managing symptoms—you’re reclaiming a sense of control.

Why Spinal Cord Stimulation Is Different

What sets SCS apart from other interventions is its customizability and reversibility. Unlike surgeries that permanently alter anatomy, the SCS device can be turned off, adjusted, or even removed if needed. And because the signals can be fine-tuned remotely, patients feel more empowered and involved in their own care.

Additionally, it avoids many of the downsides of pharmacological therapy. In the context of the ongoing opioid crisis, many patients and providers are actively looking for effective alternatives. SCS offers a path forward without dependence on long-term medications.

Is SCS Right for You?

Spinal cord stimulation isn’t for everyone. Ideal candidates:

• Have tried and failed other forms of pain relief (physical therapy, injections, medications)
• Don’t have active infections or bleeding disorders
• Are willing to go through a trial phase
• Understand both the risks and benefits

The most important predictor of success? A patient’s willingness to partner with their provider and explore all options with an open mind. At Genesis Wellness and Pain, our team walks alongside you every step of the way.

If chronic pain is writing your story, spinal cord stimulation might be the chapter where everything changes. At Genesis Wellness and Pain, we offer compassionate, comprehensive care that blends clinical expertise with a genuine desire to help you live better. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore whether spinal cord stimulation could be your breakthrough moment.