What is the goal of spinal cord stimulation?
The goal of neurostimulation with SCS is to achieve significant or total relief from back pain and to be able to return to a happy productive lifestyle. While this therapy does not work for everyone, most patients with SCS are able to report a 50-70% reduction in their overall pain and are able to decrease or completely taper off narcotic painkiller medications. With successful SCS, patients can function during normal activities, return to work, and fully participate in family and community life. How is this done? What will happen to me? In spinal cord stimulation, the physician first numbs the skin using a local anesthetic. Soft, thin wires with electrical leads at the tip are placed through a needle (without any incision) into the back near the spinal column. The physician, either an interventional pain specialist or spine surgeon, determines the best location based on the individual patient’s pain. The leads are then connected to a special programming device that can be used to prog
