Trusted Spinal Cord Therapy in Sydney

At PainMed Clinic, we offer SpṢinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) as an advanced treatment option for patients with persistent, treatment-resistant pain. This therapy aims to modulate pain signals at the spinal level, helping to improve function and quality of life. Schedule a consultation with one of our specialist pain physicians in Sydney to determine if SCS is appropriate for your condition.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain Relief

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment used to manage chronic pain that has not responded to other therapies. It works by delivering mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord through a small, implanted device, which helps block or alter pain signals before they reach the brain. The mild tingling sensation replaces the pain, offering meaningful relief without the need for high-dose medications.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) may be appropriate for individuals who have not achieved adequate relief from conservative treatments . It is particularly beneficial for those experiencing chronic pain related to nerve injuries, spinal conditions affecting the back or neck, or persistent pain following surgery. If your pain significantly impacts daily functioning and quality of life, SCS may offer an effective long-term management option.

A thorough assessment with a chronic pain specialist in Sydney can help determine whether Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a suitable treatment option for you. At PainMed, our interventional pain specialists work closely with each patient to develop a personalised treatment plan, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome. In addition, a specialist technician from the relevant device agency will provide comprehensive education about the implant, ensuring you are fully informed and supported in making the right decision for your care.

Contact our spine doctor in Sydney today for an eligibility assessment.

Common Conditions Treated

01

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

This condition refers to persistent pain following one or more spinal surgeries. Spinal cord stimulation can help manage the nerve-related pain that remains after surgery, offering non-surgical back pain treatment.

02

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS causes severe, chronic pain, usually in the arms or legs, often following an injury. SCS can reduce the overactivity of pain signals and help improve limb function.

03

Chronic Back and Neck Pain

For patients with chronic spinal pain that hasn’t improved with medications or physiotherapy, SCS offers targeted pain relief, reducing dependence on long-term drug use.

01

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

This condition refers to persistent pain following one or more spinal surgeries. Spinal cord stimulation can help manage the nerve-related pain that remains after surgery, offering non-surgical back pain treatment.

02

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

CRPS causes severe, chronic pain, usually in the arms or legs, often following an injury. SCS can reduce the overactivity of pain signals and help improve limb function.

03

Chronic Back and Neck Pain

For patients with chronic spinal pain that hasn’t improved with medications or physiotherapy, SCS offers targeted pain relief, reducing dependence on long-term drug use.

04

Nerve Pain (Neuropathy)

Neuropathic pain, often described as burning, shooting, or stabbing, can be significantly improved with SCS, particularly when caused by diabetes, nerve injuries, or spinal problems.

05

Sciatica and Radicular Pain

When nerve roots are irritated or compressed, pain that radiates to the leg or arm may develop. SCS helps calm nerve irritation, offering relief from painful sciatica or radicular symptoms.

06

Pain After Amputation

Phantom limb pain can be distressing and difficult to treat. SCS can help interrupt the brain’s misfiring pain signals, providing meaningful relief after amputation.

04

Nerve Pain (Neuropathy)

Neuropathic pain, often described as burning, shooting, or stabbing, can be significantly improved with SCS, particularly when caused by diabetes, nerve injuries, or spinal problems.

05

Sciatica and Radicular Pain

When nerve roots are irritated or compressed, pain that radiates to the leg or arm may develop. SCS helps calm nerve irritation, offering relief from painful sciatica or radicular symptoms.

06

Pain After Amputation

Phantom limb pain can be distressing and difficult to treat. SCS can help interrupt the brain’s misfiring pain signals, providing meaningful relief after amputation.

Types of Spinal Cord Stimulation Procedures

01

Trial Spinal Cord Stimulation

Before permanent implantation, patients undergo a short trial where temporary electrodes are placed to assess how well the therapy works for their pain.

02

Permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant

If the trial is successful, a permanent system with leads and a small pulse generator is implanted under the skin, providing long-term pain control.

03

High Frequency

This advanced form of SCS delivers rapid pulses without the tingling sensation, which some patients prefer for their chronic pain management.

01

Trial Spinal Cord Stimulation

Before permanent implantation, patients undergo a short trial where temporary electrodes are placed to assess how well the therapy works for their pain.

02

Permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant

If the trial is successful, a permanent system with leads and a small pulse generator is implanted under the skin, providing long-term pain control.

03

High Frequency

This advanced form of SCS delivers rapid pulses without the tingling sensation, which some patients prefer for their chronic pain management.

04

Conventional – Low Frequency

Traditional SCS uses lower-frequency pulses that create a gentle tingling sensation to mask pain and have been effectively used for decades.

05

Burst Stimulation

Burst SCS delivers packets of high-frequency pulses, offering a more natural feeling of pain relief without noticeable tingling, which is ideal for some patients.

04

Conventional – Low Frequency

Traditional SCS uses lower-frequency pulses that create a gentle tingling sensation to mask pain and have been effectively used for decades.

05

Burst Stimulation

Burst SCS delivers packets of high-frequency pulses, offering a more natural feeling of pain relief without noticeable tingling, which is ideal for some patients.

Why Choose PainMed for SCS?

As a specialist pain management clinic, our team at PainMed delivers individualised care tailored to each patient’s clinical needs. Our spine specialists in Sydney utilise advanced diagnostics and evidence-based technologies to ensure accurate assessment and the most appropriate treatment for your condition..

A team of experienced interventional pain specialists

Our highly trained specialists have extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing complex pain conditions, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and evidence-based care. In addition, some of our doctors are actively involved in training the next generation of medical professionals, including the clinical application of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), reflecting our commitment to advancing pain medicine through both practice and education.

Advanced diagnostics to ensure you're a suitable candidate

We use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to carefully assess your condition and determine if spinal cord stimulation is the right option for you.

State-of-the-art technology and equipment

At PainMed, we offer the latest in neuromodulation technology, providing you with access to cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments.

End-to-end support — from assessment to follow-up care

We are with you every step of the way, offering thorough assessments, expert procedures, and ongoing follow-up to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Results & Benefits of SCS

Who Are We & How We Can Help

PainMed is a trusted centre for chronic pain management in Sydney, dedicated to helping patients reclaim their lives from persistent pain. With a multidisciplinary team that includes back pain specialist doctors, interventional pain specialists, and spine doctors in Sydney, we offer a comprehensive range of pain management programs tailored to each patient’s specific condition.

Our unique approach combines expert diagnosis, state-of-the-art procedures, and compassionate care. From your first consultation through treatment and follow-up, our pain specialists are by your side, guiding you toward better pain control and an improved quality of life. 

FAQs

Is SCS safe?
Yes, SCS is considered a safe and well-established procedure when performed by experienced specialists. It is approved by regulatory authorities worldwide and has been successfully used for several decades to manage chronic pain. As with any medical procedure, individual risks are assessed and discussed as part of a thorough evaluation process..
While Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is generally safe, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, or lead migration (device movement)—though these complications are uncommon. Some patients may also experience mild discomfort, tingling, or changes in sensation at the electrode site. These risks and side effects are discussed thoroughly during your consultation with both the medical team and a specialist technician, ensuring you are fully informed before proceeding with treatment.
Recovery after the trial procedure is usually just a few days. After permanent implantation, most people can resume normal activities within 1–2 weeks.

Get In Touch




    Dr. Sally Wride

    Originally from England, Sally graduated from St George’s Hospital, University of London in 2004 with a BSc (First Class Hons) in Physiotherapy. Since settling in Australia, Sally has worked in private practice and in the public hospital setting across Sydney.

    Sally gained a Masters in Medicine Pain Management from the University of Sydney in 2019 and is a Titled Pain Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian Physiotherapy Association).

    In addition to private practice, Sally currently works as a Senior Physiotherapist at Westmead Hospital Pain Management Service.

    Sally is highly skilled in assessing, diagnosing and treating people who experience chronic pain. She enjoys working with injured workers and CTP claimants. She has a deep understanding of the impact of pain on the whole person and on their functioning in daily life. In partnership with her colleagues, Sally enjoys applying her knowledge and clinical skills to provide a safe space for exploration of the physical and emotional meaning of pain and for recovery of function.

    Qualifications and Experience

    Education
    MSc in Medicine Pain Management (Sydney University) Accreditations

    Dr. Baraa Kassim

    Dr. Baraa Kassim is a highly skilled rehabilitation and pain management specialist. With experience in treating patients with complex medical conditions, her expertise spans strokes, neurological, orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and geriatric conditions, as well as spasticity management and spinal and brain injury rehabilitation.

    Dr. Adam Mir

    Dr. Adam is a Fellowship-trained Pain Medicine Specialist with a Fellowship from the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FFPMANZCA) and a Master of Pain Medicine from the University of Sydney. He is dedicated to the comprehensive management of chronic pain across all age groups.

    Dr. Adam trained in adult pain medicine at Liverpool Hospital, Nepean Hospital, and the Department of Pain Medicine, and completed additional training in paediatric chronic pain at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. He currently serves as a Staff Specialist at Westmead and St George Public Hospitals (NSW Health), and is a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at Liverpool Public Hospital, St George Private, Sydney Southwest Private, Holroyd Private, Norwest Private, and Nepean Private Hospitals.

    He adopts a whole-person, multidisciplinary approach rooted in the socio-psycho-biomedical model, utilising both pharmacologic and interventional techniques. These include:

    Dr. Adam is an Authorised Prescriber of Medicinal Cannabis and holds a Diploma in Medicinal Cannabis. He is also certified in Opioid Treatment Programs, including Methadone, Suboxone, and Buprenorphine injections. His areas of interest include opioid dependence management, medicinal cannabis, and interventional pain procedures.

    He also completed advanced training in Virtual Reality Therapy for chronic pain and mental health disorders in Barcelona, Spain, and has further qualifications in Focused Psychological Strategies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Clinical Hypnosis.

    Qualifications:

    Languages Spoken: English, Persian (Farsi), Dari

    Dr. Alister Ramachandran

    Dr. Alister Ramachandran, a dual specialist in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, boasts 20+ years of experience. FIPP-certified, he leads Westmead’s pain service, teaches at Sydney University, and is a Faculty of Pain Medicine examiner. His focus remains on delivering evidence-based chronic pain treatment, ensuring comprehensive and effective pain management intervention.