Chronic pain affects millions of Americans every year—and for many, traditional treatments like medication, physical therapy, and injections don’t provide enough relief. At West Coast Pain Management, we specialize in advanced pain therapies that go beyond temporary solutions. One of the most effective innovations for long-term neuropathic and spine-related pain is the Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS).
Spinal Cord Stimulation has transformed the lives of countless patients by reducing pain, restoring function, and allowing individuals to reclaim the activities they love—often with far fewer medications.
What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) is a small, implanted medical device that delivers gentle electrical impulses to specific nerves along the spinal cord. These impulses modify pain signals before they reach the brain, leading to significant and often life-changing pain relief.
The device consists of:
- Leads (thin wires) placed near the spinal cord
- A generator (similar to a small pacemaker) implanted under the skin
- A handheld controller that allows you to adjust settings based on your pain levels
Modern SCS systems use advanced waveforms, personalized programming, and rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery options.
How Spinal Cord Stimulation Works
Pain signals travel from affected tissues through the spinal cord to the brain. An SCS interrupts or modifies these signals so the brain perceives less pain—or sometimes none at all.
While earlier generations of stimulators replaced pain with a tingling sensation (“paresthesia”), today’s most advanced devices offer paresthesia-free therapy, meaning you feel relief without any distracting sensations.
SCS helps reduce pain related to:
- Nerve damage
- Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Pain after spine surgery
- Diabetic neuropathy (in select cases)
Who Is a Candidate for Spinal Cord Stimulation?
SCS is often recommended for patients who:
- Have chronic pain that has persisted for 6 months or longer
- Have tried conservative care (medications, PT, injections) without adequate relief
- Want to reduce reliance on long-term medications, including opioids
- Prefer a non-surgical or minimally invasive solution
- Have neuropathic or nerve-related pain
Our physicians at West Coast Pain Management perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether SCS is appropriate based on your symptoms, imaging, medical history, and treatment goals.
The SCS Trial: Try It Before You Commit
A unique benefit of Spinal Cord Stimulation is the trial period, which allows you to “test drive” the therapy before having a permanent implant.
How the Trial Works
- Temporary leads are placed near the spine through a needle (no surgery required).
- You wear an external battery for about 5–7 days.
- You track your pain relief, sleep, activity level, and function.
Patients typically feel immediate improvement, and we consider the trial a success if you experience 50% or greater pain relief.
If the trial is successful, we schedule a short outpatient procedure for permanent implantation.
What to Expect During the SCS Implant Procedure
Minimally Invasive
The permanent device is implanted through two small incisions—one for the generator and one for the leads.
Quick Recovery
Most patients resume light activity within a few days.
Customizable Pain Relief
After healing, we fine-tune your device settings to match your pain patterns and daily routines.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation
SCS offers several advantages compared to long-term medication use or repeated injections:
✔ Significant Pain Reduction
Many patients report lasting relief of 50–80%.
✔ Reduced Dependence on Medications
A major benefit is the potential to lower or eliminate opioid use.
✔ Minimally Invasive & Reversible
The implant can be removed if it ever becomes unnecessary or ineffective.
✔ Improved Everyday Function
Patients often experience improved sleep, mobility, and energy.
✔ Customizable Therapy
Your controller lets you adjust the intensity and patterns as your pain changes.
✔ Long-Term Relief
Unlike temporary therapies, SCS provides ongoing support for chronic pain conditions.
Is Spinal Cord Stimulation Safe?
SCS has been FDA-approved for decades and continues to evolve with advanced technology and expanded clinical research. While every medical procedure carries some risk, SCS is considered safe when performed by a trained, board-certified pain specialist.
At West Coast Pain Management, we use image-guided techniques and follow best-practice safety protocols to ensure optimal outcomes.
Why Choose West Coast Pain Management for SCS Therapy?
Our team is highly experienced in evaluating, selecting, and managing patients for Spinal Cord Stimulation. You can expect:
✔ Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
✔ Personalized treatment planning
✔ State-of-the-art trial and implant technology
✔ Follow-up programming & long-term care
✔ Compassionate, patient-centered support
We are committed to helping you restore function, reduce pain, and live life with fewer limitations.
Take the Next Step Toward Lasting Pain Relief
If chronic pain is limiting your life and other treatments haven’t delivered meaningful relief, Spinal Cord Stimulation may be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
📞 Contact West Coast Pain Management today to schedule a consultation and learn whether SCS is right for you.
A better, more active future may be just one appointment away.