Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Revolutionary Path to Long-Term Pain Relief
Ajith Nair, M.D.
Interventional Pain Management located in Louisville, KY & Elizabethtown, KY
When chronic pain in your back, legs, or arms doesn’t respond to conventional treatments, it can feel like you’ve run out of options. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a revolutionary, FDA-approved therapy that can provide profound, long-term relief by changing the way your brain perceives pain. At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, we are leaders in SCS therapy, offering a personalized approach that starts with a simple trial to ensure it’s the right solution for you.
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At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists we offer extensive cervical facet joint treatment. We have been in business since 1992 and has offered quality treatments for your neck pain. Call 502-995-4004 today.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Q & A
What is Spinal Cord Stimulation and How Does It Work?
Think of Spinal Cord Stimulation as a “pacemaker for pain.” The system uses a small, implanted device to deliver tiny electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These pulses interrupt and mask the pain signals as they travel to your brain, replacing the feeling of pain with a more pleasant sensation (a gentle tingling called paresthesia) or, with newer technology, no sensation at all. It doesn’t fix the underlying condition, but it can dramatically reduce your level of pain.
Dr. Nair can pre-program the device to relieve your pain or you can control your own treatment using a small remote.
Are You a Good Candidate for SCS Therapy?
SCS is not a first-line treatment. It 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 suffer from:
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) or Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Chronic Sciatica or radiating leg pain
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Arachnoiditis (painful inflammation of a membrane surrounding the spinal nerves)
The Most Important Step: The SCS Trial Period
The biggest advantage of SCS is the ability to test it out. Before you commit to a permanent implant, you undergo a simple, minimally invasive trial period (typically 5-7 days).
- 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.
- 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, seeing how it impacts your daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life.
- 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.
The Permanent Implant: A Simple Outpatient Procedure
If your trial is successful, the permanent system can be implanted. This is a minor surgical procedure where a small, pacemaker-like generator is placed under the skin, usually in the buttock or upper back. The trial leads are replaced with sterile, permanent leads, and the system is entirely internal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Stimulation
Is the SCS implant procedure painful?
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.
Can I have an MRI with a spinal cord stimulator?
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.
How long does the spinal cord stimulator battery last?
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.