Spinal cord stimulation (also called SCS) uses electrical impulses to relieve chronic pain in the back, arms and legs. Electrical pulses are believed to prevent pain signals from being received by the brain. SCS candidates include people who suffer from neuropathic pain and for whom conservative treatments have failed.
To begin spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation, the injection site is numbed and one or more insulated leads are inserted into the epidural space near the spinal cord. Electrodes on the leads send electrical pulses to block pain signals. The patient provides feedback to help guide lead placement. The leads are then connected to an external trial stimulator used for about a week to evaluate pain relief. If successful, a permanent system may be implanted; otherwise, the leads are removed.