What is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Jan 21
2 min read

Living with chronic back or neck pain can feel like a daily struggle. At Ashford Pain Solutions, we understand how persistent pain can affect every aspect of your life. For patients who have not found relief through traditional treatments, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offers a promising solution for long-term pain management.

What Is Spinal Cord Stimulation?

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure used to manage chronic pain, especially when other methods have failed. During the procedure, a small device is implanted under the skin. This device sends mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, which disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.

The result? Many patients report significant pain relief, increased mobility, and in some cases, a reduced need for pain medications. SCS allows patients to take control of their treatment with a handheld remote that adjusts the stimulation level based on their pain.

Conditions Treated with Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is especially effective for neuropathic pain caused by damaged or irritated nerves. At Ashford Pain Solutions, we may recommend SCS for a variety of conditions, including:

Failed back surgery syndrome
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal stenosis
Radiculopathy (pain radiating into the arms or legs)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Sciatica or nerve-related leg pain

Every patient is different, which is why we evaluate your specific condition and symptoms before recommending SCS or any pain management treatment.

Who Is a Candidate for SCS?

You may be a good candidate for spinal cord stimulation if:

Your pain has not improved with conservative treatments
You are not a good candidate for additional surgery
You do not have a pacemaker or device that could interfere with SCS
You have passed a psychological screening (to ensure realistic expectations)
You do not have a history of substance abuse that is currently untreated

We often begin with a trial period where the device is temporarily placed to see how well it controls your pain. If the trial is successful, the permanent device may be implanted.

Are There Risks?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks such as infection or discomfort at the implant site. However, spinal cord stimulation is generally safe and well-tolerated. Most patients describe the sensation as a gentle tingling, which is much easier to manage than the constant pain they had before.

At Ashford Pain Solutions, we guide our patients through each step of the process, from consultation to follow-up care, ensuring a safe and effective treatment experience.

Find Relief with Spinal Cord Stimulation

If chronic back or neck pain has taken over your life and other treatments have not worked, spinal cord stimulation may be the relief you’ve been looking for. At Ashford Pain Solutions, our team is experienced in providing advanced, personalized pain management care.

Call us today at (706) 286-8344 to schedule your consultation and learn if spinal cord stimulation is right for you.