Kentuckiana Pain Specialists

Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Revolutionary Path to Long-Term Pain Relief

When chronic pain in your back, legs, or arms doesn’t respond to conventional treatments, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) offers a proven, FDA-approved path to long-term relief by changing the way your brain perceives pain.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation and How Does It Work?

A Pacemaker for Pain

SCS uses a small, implanted device to deliver tiny electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses interrupt and mask pain signals as they travel to your brain, replacing pain with a gentle tingling sensation — or with newer technology, no sensation at all.

Patient-Controlled Relief

Dr. Nair can pre-program the device to relieve your specific pain patterns, or you can control your own treatment using a small remote. The system does not fix the underlying condition but can dramatically reduce your level of daily pain.

Are You a Good Candidate for SCS Therapy?

SCS is an advanced option for patients with severe, chronic pain who have not found adequate relief from other therapies. You may be a candidate if you experience any of the following conditions.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Also known as Post-Laminectomy Syndrome, this condition involves persistent pain following spinal surgery that has not resolved with other treatments.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

CRPS is a chronic pain condition that may affect the arms or legs, often developing after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack.

Chronic Sciatica

Persistent radiating leg pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatments including injections, physical therapy, and medications.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Chronic nerve pain typically affecting the hands and feet, causing burning, numbness, or weakness that has not improved with standard therapies.

Arachnoiditis

Painful inflammation of the arachnoid membrane surrounding the spinal nerves, causing severe, chronic pain that is difficult to manage with conventional treatments.

Post-Surgical Nerve Pain

Persistent nerve-related pain following spine or other surgery that has not resolved and significantly impacts daily function and quality of life.

The SCS Trial Period: Test Before You Commit

The biggest advantage of SCS is the ability to test it before committing to a permanent implant. Most trials last 5–7 days and provide real-world information about how well SCS works for your specific pain.

Step 1 — The Procedure

We place thin, flexible wires (leads) into the epidural space near the affected nerves. This is done in our office with local anesthetic and minimal discomfort.

Step 2 — The Trial

The leads are connected to a small external power source you wear on a belt. You go home and test-drive the pain relief, evaluating its impact on daily activities, sleep, and quality of life.

Step 3 — The Decision

If you experience a 50% or greater reduction in pain, the trial is considered a success and you can choose to proceed with the permanent implant.

Ready to explore spinal cord stimulation?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ajith Nair at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists. Our team will review your history and determine whether SCS is an appropriate next step for your chronic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Stimulation

Common questions patients ask before pursuing SCS therapy.

The procedure is performed using sedation and a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Most patients experience only mild soreness at the implant site for a few days following the procedure.
Yes. Many modern spinal cord stimulation systems are FDA-approved for full-body MRI scans when specific safety guidelines are followed. Your provider will confirm whether your device is MRI-compatible.
We offer both rechargeable and non-rechargeable systems. Rechargeable batteries can last 10 years or longer, while non-rechargeable batteries typically require replacement after 3–5 years depending on usage.
Yes. The system can be turned off or removed if needed. The trial phase allows you to evaluate the relief before any permanent commitment is made.
The permanent implant is a minor outpatient procedure. Most patients experience mild soreness at the site and are able to return to light activities within a few days, following their provider’s instructions.

Schedule an Appointment

Kentuckiana Pain Specialists

If you or a loved one is experiencing cancer-related pain, schedule a consultation with Kentuckiana Pain Specialists to discuss advanced pain management options. Call (502) 995-4004 today.