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Spinal Cord Stimulator SCS

Third tier advanced pain therapy for chronic severe neuropathic pain that has exhausted all other treatments and modalities. The SCS creates an electrical field arround the posterior spinal column and modulates the pain signal perceived by the Central Nervous System (CNS). The nerve pain is converted to a soothing, tingling buzzing sensation.

Spinal Cord Stimulator is used for the following conditions:

  • Failed Laminectomy Syndrome
  • Spinal Stenosis without operative options
  • Chronic Radiculapathy
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
  • Generalized Peripheral Neuropathy

How does Spinal Cord Stimulation work?

SCS is an electrical modulation of the spinal cord signaling perceived by the Central Nervous System by stimulating the dorsal column fibers. The SCS lead is placed via the epidural space and configured to provide adequate coverage. A trial is done first in order to test the outcome prior to permanent implantation (i.e. a test run).

What to expect from the Trial Run

A screener will be attached to the electrode leads in the epidural space. An electrical impulse will be delivered and configured to cover one's normal pain with a soothing tingling sensation. You will be awake during the trial leads configuration to ensure adequate pain coverage. You will leave the trial with an external battery pack and remote control to continue to monitor pain coverage for 3-5 days.

Implantation of the Spinal Cord Stimulator

  • A trial is deemed successful if the patient reports a 50% reduction in pain, improved function and less opiate use.
  • Cognitive ability and motivation to use this device.
  • Realistic expectations of benefits and limitations.
  • Psychological clearance to rectify any underlying psychiatric impediments (i.e. depression and anxiety).
Related Providers
Related Testimonials
  • Interventional Procedure "Dr. Safman is caring and communicates well. The discomfort from the spinal injection is very minor. She makes it an easy procedure." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Setting of expectations: that the injection might or might not work, and that another may be needed. The follow-up care has also been very helpful and is appreciated." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "They were caring and careful with my care." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "The office seams to run so efficiently. I hardly waited at all. Everyone seems genuinely concerned for my comfort and about my recovery. Best doctor/doctor's office I have ever been to." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Until last series of injections was very, very happy with results. I clearly overdid after last series and had very poor results. Need more information or warnings. Also need more information or other possible applications or use areas." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "It's clear to me that Dr. Charlu is extremely good at what he does, and truly cares for me. The team is always upbeat, kind, anxious, and able to help me." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Very professional and empathetic; also, very responsive" Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "They answered every question and took a genuine interest and concern for me." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Positivity. They want you to get better and suggest things that need to be done." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "He and team really listened." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "They took the time to explain what was going to happen. Also the follow up." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Pain Management "I can talk easily with both Dr. Safman and Naomi. They seem very caring." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
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