A Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) is an implantable medical device that uses mild electrical pulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, helping patients with chronic nerve-related pain that has not improved with conservative pain management treatments.
What Is a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
A spinal cord stimulator-also called dorsal column neurostimulation-includes:
- Leads (thin insulated wires placed in the epidural space)
- Generator (battery-powered pulse device implanted under the skin)
When activated, the system delivers controlled impulses that replace pain sensations with more tolerable signals.
This therapy may be recommended for chronic neuropathic pain such as failed back surgery syndrome, radicular leg pain, or persistent pain after Spine Conditions like herniated disc-related nerve pain or degenerative disc disease or stenosis.
Who Is a Candidate for SCS?
Spinal cord stimulation is considered when:
- Pain has lasted 6+ months and limits daily activity
- Conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief (e.g., injections, physical therapy, medications)
- Pain is neuropathic or nerve-related
- Diagnostic imaging confirms appropriate candidacy
Spinal cord stimulation may also be considered for patients with pain that persists after disc surgery, such as discectomy, when nerve-related symptoms continue despite healing. In some cases, SCS may be explored when chronic nerve pain persists even after motion-preserving spine surgery such as artificial disc replacement.
Your MSBI specialist will confirm suitability through clinical evaluation and review of prior treatments.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial (First Step)
A trial is required before permanent implantation. It determines whether stimulation provides meaningful pain relief.
How the SCS Trial Works
The trial is performed in an outpatient setting:
- Leads are placed through a hollow needle using fluoroscopy (live X-ray guidance).
- Local anesthesia and light IV sedation keep you comfortable while allowing feedback.
- The physician activates the device and adjusts stimulation until pain improvement is felt.
- Leads are secured to the skin and covered with a protective dressing.
- Patients test the system at home for 4–7 days to evaluate relief in daily activities.
After the Trial
At the follow-up visit, the trial leads are removed and you and your surgeon will discuss results.
If the trial demonstrates meaningful improvement, you may qualify for a permanent spinal cord stimulator implant.
Permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
Permanent implantation is performed in a sterile surgical setting:
- Leads are positioned precisely in the epidural space
- A small generator is implanted under the skin (typically the buttock or flank)
- Device programming is customized to your pain pattern
- Most patients resume light activity within days, with full recovery over several weeks
Patients receive long-term follow-up, device reprogramming options, and individualized care.
Benefits of Spinal Cord Stimulation
Patients treated at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute often experience:
- Reduced nerve-related pain
- Improved ability to sit, stand, and walk
- Lower reliance on pain medications
- Adjustable, reversible therapy
- Minimally invasive placement
- Outpatient recovery for most trials and implants
Individual results vary based on diagnosis, overall health, and activity levels.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Care at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute
Your care team includes board-certified neurosurgeons with complex spine and neuromodulation expertise and experienced spine specialists, pain management physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. MSBI provides comprehensive SCS care across Minnesota and western Wisconsin-including Stillwater, Woodbury, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Maplewood, and Hudson.
Your care team includes:
- Board-certified neurosurgeons
- Fellowship-trained spine specialists
- Pain management physicians
- Physician assistants and nurse practitioners
We provide advanced evaluation, trial placement, permanent implantation, and long-term support.
To schedule a consultation, call 1-800-353-7720 or 651-430-3800.
FAQs About Spinal Cord Stimulators
What type of pain does a spinal cord stimulator treat?
SCS is most effective for chronic neuropathic pain, including post-surgical spine pain, radicular leg pain, and certain nerve injuries.
How successful is a spinal cord stimulator trial?
Most patients know within 4–7 days whether stimulation improves functional pain. A positive trial is required before permanent implantation.
Does a spinal cord stimulator cure pain?
SCS does not cure the underlying condition but can significantly reduce pain signals and improve quality of life for suitable candidates.
Can I undergo MRI with a spinal cord stimulator?
Many modern SCS systems are MRI-compatible under specific conditions. Your MSBI provider will confirm device compatibility.
How long does a spinal cord stimulator battery last?
Rechargeable generators may last 7–10+ years depending on use. Non-rechargeable systems typically last 3–5 years.
Is spinal cord stimulation reversible?
Yes. SCS can be turned off, adjusted, or removed if it no longer provides adequate benefit.