Frequently Asked Questions

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The following are common questions asked by people considering spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy. If your questions aren’t answered here, you should ask a pain specialist. To find a pain specialist near you, go to our Pain Specialist Finder.

What is spinal cord stimulation (SCS)?

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a treatment of chronic intractable pain that produces mild electrical pulses to stimulate specific nerves along the spine. The stimulation blocks pain signals before they reach the brain and replaces them with a more pleasant sensation called paresthesia.

Is spinal cord stimulation similar to TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)?

Although SCS and TENS both use electrical pulses, they are very different in how they work and what type of pain they are designed to treat. A TENS unit is an external device that delivers electrical pulses through pads. The pads are placed directly on the skin over the painful site. TENS is generally not effective for severe chronic pain. More importantly, past success or failure with TENS therapy is not a good predictor of how you will respond to SCS.

Will SCS cure my pain?

SCS is not a cure for pain. It’s a therapy that may help you reduce your pain to a manageable level so that you may return to a more normal lifestyle. Many people consider spinal cord stimulation successful if it makes it easier for them to go places and do things, helps them sleep better, and/or reduces their need for drugs.

Is spinal cord stimulation safe?

Over the past 35 years, thousands of people with severe chronic pain have been treated successfully with SCS. Although the risk of complications is low, you should discuss all risk factors with your doctor. For more Information, read the safety information and warranty information.

What does spinal cord stimulation feel like?

The sensation is different for everyone. Some people describe SCS as a pleasant tingling, others say it feels like a massaging sensation, and still others say they feel nothing but the absence of pain. Ideally, the sensation is pleasant and only affects the areas that are painful.

Is spinal cord stimulation a treatment option for my chronic pain?

SCS is not effective for all types of pain. Ask your doctor if the cause, type, and location of your pain make you a candidate for spinal cord stimulation. Remember that in the chronic pain treatment steps, spinal cord stimulation is an advanced pain treatment. This means that spinal cord stimulation is generally not considered a treatment option until other pain therapies—including medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and perhaps even surgery—have been tried and have failed to control your pain.

Which type of system is best for my pain?

Each type of system has advantages and disadvantages. The decision should be based on the pattern and complexity of your pain, your lifestyle, and how much electrical energy will be required to give you adequate pain relief. You and your doctor will decide which type is best for your unique situation.

Does SCS require surgery?

SCS therapy does require a relatively minor surgical procedure. This procedure is most commonly performed in two separate steps. If your doctor decides to do the procedure in two steps, it will likely occur as follows:

Step 1: The first step is to have a stimulation trial. The stimulation trial requires a short procedure, which is often performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital, pain clinic or a day surgery center. During this procedure a thin cable called a lead is threaded under your skin and connected to a battery-powered stimulator that is worn outside your body. The trial system is temporary and allows you and your doctor to determine if SCS will work for you.

Step 2: The second step is to have a permanent system placed. Like the trial procedure, the permanent procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis as a day surgery. The leads will be placed in the proper position along the spinal cord and they will be connected to a generator inside your body.

Are there possible complications with the surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection and bleeding. There is also a possibility of injury to the spinal cord, lead failure, or lack of benefit from the therapy. Although the risk of these complications is low, you should discuss all risk factors and concerns with your doctor. For more information, read the safety information.

Where are the leads placed?

The leads are inserted in a space along the spinal cord using a needle or through a small incision. The exact placement of the leads is made by your implanting physician and depends upon the location of your pain.

Where is the generator placed?

It is usually placed in the buttocks or abdominal region. You and your doctor will consider factors such as clothing, whether you are right or left-handed, and your body weight to decide the best placement for the device.

How soon after surgery can I return to a more active lifestyle?

Your doctor will help you to determine what activities are appropriate and when it is safe to increase your activity level. You will probably be encouraged to gradually resume light exercise, such as walking and gardening. This will help to build your strength and lift your spirits.

Do I use the stimulator 24 hours a day?

You can use your spinal cord stimulator around the clock if necessary. However, most people get pain relief during the day and turn off the system before bedtime because pain relief often continues even after the stimulation has stopped. Other people use their systems while sleeping. You and your doctor will determine the best schedule for you.

Can I control the stimulation?

The programmer lets you turn the stimulator on and off, select programs, and adjust the strength of the stimulation. Most people are given multiple programs to achieve the best possible pain relief at any point throughout the day or during specific activities. Your doctor will decide which programs, and how many, are best to provide pain relief.

Will my insurance cover SCS?

Spinal cord stimulation is a widely accepted medical treatment. Many major health insurance plans and worker’s compensation programs provide benefits for SCS therapy. Medicare may also cover SCS therapy. In most cases, your doctor’s office will contact your insurance company directly to obtain precertifications, arrange or verify for coverage. Be sure to ask your doctor how his or her office handles these arrangements. You should personally contact your insurer to verify coverage, make sure you understand your policy’s benefits, and see whether you will be financially responsible for any portion of the therapy.

Will spinal cord stimulation allow me to return to work?

Your doctor will help you make this decision. Some people, depending upon their condition and occupation, are able to return to work while using spinal cord stimulation. However, returning to work should be a goal you and your doctor set, not a requirement for successful therapy.

Can I get an MRI if I have a stimulator?

People with stimulators should not get MRIs. The electromagnetic field generated by an MRI is not compatible with the SCS system. Please consult your product manual for further information.

Can I get a stimulator if I have a pacemaker?

Patients with demand-type cardiac pacemakers should not be implanted with SCS systems. Check with your doctor if you are unsure about what kind of pacemaker you have.

Can I shower or swim with the stimulator?

Yes, you can shower and swim after implantation of a permanent conventional or rechargeable system. However, you will need to avoid water during the brief trial period.

Can I drive with the stimulator on?

No. Spinal cord stimulation should not be used while driving or operating heavy equipment. When you are driving, you will need to turn the stimulator off. The different positions needed for driving may cause the stimulation to vary considerably. These variations in stimulation could be distracting, taking your focus off your driving. However, you can ride as a passenger with the stimulator on.

Can I travel with the stimulator?

Yes. Metal detectors and antitheft devices may detect your spinal cord stimulation system, but your patient identification card will help to clear you through these checkpoints. Thousands of people have implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers, so the security personnel will know what to do. When flying, it is important to follow the flight crew’s instructions and turn the stimulator off for takeoff and landing.

Does my doctor have experience with spinal cord stimulation?

Ask about your doctor’s clinical experience with spinal cord stimulation. Some doctors may be familiar with the therapy but do not impant SCS systems. Pain specialists are the best source for providing SCS treatment. You can use our Pain Specialist Finder to find an experienced pain specialist in your area.

Click here for full disclosure of safety information.

The Frequently Asked Question responses above are recommendations only. Patients should always seek the advice of their physician. These are not intended to be medical advice.

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