Are Spinal Cord Stimulators Safe and Effective?

Chronic lower back pain is notoriously difficult to treat. If you have been struggling with treatment after treatment that just isn't returning results, it might be time to consider a spinal cord stimulator (SCS). 

How safe and effective are these devices? The key is having a certified professional complete your treatment. Many people find this pain management method to succeed when other therapies have failed.

At Progressive Spine and Sports Medicine in Ramsey, New Jersey, our team of experienced pain medicine doctors can help identify the cause of your back pain and offer you options such as a spinal cord stimulator to help control discomfort. 

SCS basics

SCS systems have three parts. The first is the stimulator itself, which is a very small pulse generator. The second is a series of thin wires called leads. The third is a remote control, which puts you in charge of the device.

The stimulator is implanted near your spine, and the leads are implanted near nerves that control the pain impulses to your brain. You can use the remote to turn on the stimulator and deliver signals through the leads to the nerve around your spine, disrupting pain messages being sent to the brain. 

SCS effectiveness

People often compare the stimulator to a pacemaker, but the main difference is that a pacemaker keeps you alive by working automatically to regulate your heart rhythm, while an SCS works when triggered as a pain reduction method. 

Over time, the stimulator changes how your brain perceives pain signals from the spine area of your body. You’ll notice a decrease in pain, replaced possibly by small fluttering sensations, and then eventually you should achieve a 50-70% overall reduction in pain levels.

Some of the main advantages of SCS include:

• Reduced dependency on pain medication
• Increased mobility
• Improved energy levels
• Decreased depression
• More independence

Most candidates who undergo SCS implantation find their daily lives are significantly improved.

SCS safety

Overall, SCS implantation is safe. The biggest risk is improper handling of the device and surgical area during implantation, which could cause infection. This is why it’s so important to have spine specialists do your surgical SCS implantation. 

If the device doesn’t work for you, it can also be safely removed along with the leads without causing any damage to your spinal area. There’s really nothing to lose by trying SCS if you are at the end of your rope because of constant back pain and other methods haven’t been able to help. 

Struggling with chronic back pain? Spinal cord stimulation could be right for you. Get in touch with the team at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine at 201-201-0443, fill out our contact form, or book an appointment using our online scheduling system today.