Chronic back and leg pain can take over your life — limiting mobility, disrupting sleep, and making everyday tasks feel overwhelming. When medications, injections, physical therapy, or even surgery fail to provide lasting relief, many patients feel stuck with pain that won’t improve.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers a modern, minimally invasive solution. But what makes SCS truly unique is that you don’t have to commit right away. You can try it first.

At Genesis Wellness and Pain, the SCS trial gives patients a safe, reversible way to experience real pain relief before deciding on a permanent implant. For many, the trial is the moment they finally feel hope again.

What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial?

A Spinal Cord Stimulation trial is a short, temporary test of the therapy. It allows patients to experience how SCS reduces pain by sending gentle electrical signals to the spinal cord, interrupting pain messages before they reach the brain.

During the trial:

• Thin temporary leads are placed near the spinal cord
• A small external device delivers stimulation
• Patients use a handheld controller to adjust settings
• The trial lasts 5–7 days
• Pain relief is measured in real‑life situations — walking, sleeping, working, daily activities

If the trial provides meaningful relief, patients can move forward with a permanent implant.

Who Should Consider an SCS Trial?

An SCS trial may be recommended for patients with:

Chronic Back Pain

Especially pain caused by nerve irritation, disc degeneration, or spinal stenosis.

Radiating Leg Pain (Sciatica‑Type Pain)

Burning, shooting, or electric pain traveling down the leg.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)

Pain that persists or worsens after spine surgery.

Neuropathic Pain

Nerve‑based pain that feels burning, tingling, or electric.

CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)

Severe nerve hypersensitivity in the arms or legs.

Post‑Surgical Nerve Pain

Pain that remains after spinal or orthopedic procedures.

If conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief, an SCS trial is often the next step.

How the SCS Trial Works

Step 1: Consultation

Your provider reviews your symptoms, imaging, and treatment history to determine whether SCS is appropriate.

Step 2: Minimally Invasive Placement

Temporary leads are placed through a small needle — no incisions, no hardware.

Step 3: Real‑Life Testing

Patients go home with the external device and test the therapy during normal activities.

Step 4: Tracking Results

Patients monitor:

• Pain reduction
• Mobility
• Sleep quality
• Medication use
• Ability to perform daily tasks

Step 5: Decision

If the trial provides at least 50% pain relief — often much more — patients may choose to proceed with a permanent implant.

What Makes the SCS Trial So Valuable?

1. It’s Reversible

If the trial doesn’t help, the leads are removed — no permanent changes.

2. It’s Safe and Minimally Invasive

No incisions, no downtime, no hospital stay.

3. It Provides Real‑World Proof

Patients test the therapy during everyday life, not just in a clinic.

4. It Builds Confidence

Patients know exactly what to expect before committing to a long‑term solution.

5. It Helps Avoid Unnecessary Surgery

Many patients who were considering surgery find relief through SCS instead.

What to Expect During the Trial

During the Procedure

• The skin is numbed
• Leads are placed using imaging guidance
• The external device is connected
• Most patients describe the procedure as easier than expected

During the Trial Week

• Patients adjust settings with a handheld controller
• Pain relief often begins immediately
• Normal activities are encouraged
• Patients track improvements in pain and function

After the Trial

• Leads are removed in the office
• Patients discuss results with their provider
• If successful, the permanent implant is scheduled

When the Trial Is Successful

Patients often report:

• Less back and leg pain
• Improved mobility
• Better sleep
• Reduced medication use
• Ability to return to daily activities
• Renewed hope and confidence

For many, the trial is the first time they’ve felt meaningful relief in years.

Try Relief First

A Spinal Cord Stimulation trial offers a safe, reversible way to experience real pain relief before committing to a permanent implant. At Genesis Wellness and Pain, we use the SCS trial to help patients with chronic back and leg pain reclaim comfort, mobility, and quality of life — even when other treatments have failed.