Who Is a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Chronic pain can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, and when traditional treatments fail to provide relief, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may offer a solution. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this therapy. Understanding the eligibility criteria, trial process, and long-term benefits can help individuals determine if SCS is the right choice for them.

What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a pain management therapy that uses mild electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. This technique offers long-term relief, particularly for individuals who have exhausted other treatment options. Unlike medication-based pain therapies, SCS is drug-free and can reduce or eliminate the need for opioid use.

Who Qualifies for Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Patients with Chronic Pain Conditions

Spinal cord stimulation is recommended for individuals who have experienced chronic pain for six months or longer. The therapy is especially effective for conditions such as:

• Chronic Back Pain: Often caused by disc degeneration or failed back surgery.
• Post-Surgical Pain: Pain persisting after spinal surgery or other procedures.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A nerve-related condition that causes severe, persistent pain.
• Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN): Nerve damage associated with diabetes, often leading to pain in the lower extremities.
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): Chronic pain following spinal surgery.
• Radiculopathy: Nerve-related pain caused by herniated discs or spinal disorders.

While these are common conditions treated with SCS, each patient must be evaluated to determine whether the therapy will be effective for their specific pain type.

Patients Seeking Drug-Free Pain Relief

For individuals looking to reduce dependency on pain medications, SCS offers a non-pharmaceutical alternative. Many patients with chronic pain are prescribed opioids, which can lead to tolerance, addiction, or unwanted side effects. Since SCS directly interferes with pain signals, it provides relief without the risks associated with medication.

Patients Who Have Tried Other Treatments Without Success

Spinal cord stimulation is typically considered when conventional pain treatments—such as physical therapy, nerve blocks, or surgery—have not provided lasting relief. If a patient has exhausted multiple approaches with little improvement, SCS may be the next step toward managing their pain.

Understanding the Trial Process for Spinal Cord Stimulation

Before undergoing a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant, patients must complete a trial phase to assess effectiveness. This step is crucial in determining whether the therapy will provide long-term relief.

How the Trial Works

During the SCS trial, temporary electrodes are placed near the spinal cord while an external device delivers stimulation. Patients use a remote control to adjust the impulses according to their pain levels. This trial typically lasts five to seven days, allowing individuals to evaluate how well the therapy manages their discomfort.

Success Rates of SCS Trials

Studies show that approximately 50-85% of patients experience a significant reduction in pain during the trial period. If the trial is deemed successful, patients can proceed with permanent implantation. However, if pain relief is minimal, other treatment options may be explored.

Criteria for a Successful Trial

A patient is considered a good candidate for permanent SCS implantation if:

• They experience at least 50% pain reduction during the trial.
• They report improved mobility and daily function.
• They feel comfortable using the device and adjusting stimulation levels.
• They have realistic expectations about long-term pain management.

Life After Spinal Cord Stimulation

For patients who undergo permanent implantation, SCS can offer years of sustained relief. Adjustments can be made over time to fine-tune stimulation settings for optimal comfort. While SCS does not eliminate pain entirely, most users report significant improvements in daily functioning and quality of life.

Long-Term Benefits of SCS

• Personalized Pain Management: Patients can control stimulation levels based on their needs.
• Minimally Invasive: Requires only a small surgical procedure for implantation.
• Opioid-Free Relief: Reduces dependency on pain medications.
• FDA-Approved Technology: Proven safe and effective for chronic pain conditions.

Genesis Wellness and Pain: Your Partner in Pain Relief

At Genesis Wellness and Pain, we are committed to helping patients navigate their journey toward effective pain management. Our team of specialists provides expert guidance in determining whether SCS is the right choice for you.

If chronic pain has been holding you back, contact Genesis Wellness and Pain today to explore how spinal cord stimulation can provide the relief you deserve.