(210) 541-0700

Personalized Precision Care

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Overview

If you've already tried medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, or nerve blocks without finding relief for your pain, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) might be the next step to consider. The process begins with a trial run, where we temporarily place a small, external device to test how well the stimulation works to alleviate your pain. During this trial, you’ll be able to assess the effectiveness of the treatment in your daily life and see if it provides meaningful pain relief.

If the trial is successful and you experience significant pain reduction, you have the option to move forward with the permanent implant. The device consists of a small power source, which is placed under the skin and is undetectable beneath your clothing. Once the implantation is completed, the settings are fine tuned to the optimal level of stimulation for controlling your pain.

You’ll also be given a controller to adjust the stimulation levels, allowing you to manage your pain and tailor the treatment to your specific needs. This gives you the ability to maintain pain control on your terms.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE

The “trial run” or testing the efficacy of SCS for you:

A local anesthetic will numb the implant area.
Through a small incision, we’ll place very thin wires (leads) under the skin and into the space around your spinal cord (epidural space).
The leads will be connected to a power source about the size of a cell phone, which you’ll carry with you during the trial period.
If SCS is effective in controlling your pain, you’ll be referred for the permanent implant.

Implanting the permanent system:

This minimally-invasive surgery takes 1 to 2 hours under general anesthesia. A small surgical incision is made to place the tiny permanent generator under the skin of your abdomen or upper buttock.
The generator is battery-powered by either rechargeable or long-life batteries lasting up to 5 years.

1-2 hour procedure

painless injection

rest and go home

INDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT:

Swelling (inflammation) of the lining of the brain and spinal cord
Chronic back pain
Recurrent pain after back surgery
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Sciatica: chronic arm or leg pain
Nerve pain in arms or legs
Numbness in limbs

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

CURRENTLY ACCEPTED INSURANCE CARRIERS

See the complete list in our See the complete list

Our Patients Love Us

You will not be disappointed

It is always a pleasure coming to SJPS. Everyone is so pleasant and care about your needs. I would and have recommended them to family and friends. You will not be disappointed

- KA

I would highly recommend …

My experience with Spine and Joint Pain group has been amazing the procedure on my spine went well and uneventful the procedure was clearly explained and of what to possibly expect from the procedure I would highly recommend them.

- Rena S

The environment was relaxed, pleasant, and professional…

Been going to Spine and Joint for the last few years and my experiences have been positive. Recently had a procedure done and the environment was relaxed, pleasant, and professional. This helps ease some of the stress and edginess that comes with most medical procedures. Thank you S&J.

- AE